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View From my 6Th Floor Balcony- Friday 8/28/2009 6:59:12 AM
The first thing I want to do is say 'thanks' for the two remarks left about Starbucks celebrating 20 years in Portland. For good or bad they have kept many people employed, served a consistently bad cup of of coffee, and taken up locations in many spots that went empty, only to add to the economy. There is a parallel to my little re-entry back to the blog board. I now live in a large retirement center that employs many people, serves a little better cup of coffee than Starbucks, and offeres affordable housing to old fools like me. I hope to relate some of these stories, as views from my 6Th floor balcony. Henry:
Henry was one of the first people I met when I moved into this large complex, located on the southeast side of Portland, close to the campus of Reed College and Westmorland Country Club.
Henry is in his 70's very thin and could be a double for Quasi Moto from "hunchback" fame; if he added another 76 pounds, groumbled more, and watched where he was going. The reason for Henry's 'hunching' is from the early days of WW ll and polio. The doctors said he would never walk, but Henry walks, and walks, and walks. I don't think Henry realizes he has a disability, and that is a good thing. He loves to golf, fish, bowl and build things. He is always putzing around with building things, and that too, is a good thing.
If Henry had never taken the couragous step out of bed, he would not have had the opportunity to learn a trade, get married, raise children and see the larger world.
I think the world could use a few more Henrys' and fewer Starbucks.
One final word on Henry, even as he ages his mind is like a sponge soaking in every drop of life he can absorb.
