This story is less conventional than others of it's type. Instead of dwelling on the past it highlights and welcomes the future.
ABOUT THE BOOK
A personal journal that began as a means of therapy and relaxation soon turned out to be an interesting and exciting story of human resolve. Once given the opportunity to recount this series of events as an objective party I was motivated by the experience.
With the knowledge that has been gained thru this endeavor and the respect that I’ve learned over this period, it is now time to share that joy with the world.
This is a true story that touches all facets of the human spirit. It is a story of love, hate, humility and faith. It covers pain, suffering, challenges and leads to new adventures.
Using an effective form of communications, you will be entertained with a fresh new twist while getting a heart felt message across.
Enjoy!
Excerpt
TOUCHED BY AN ANGEL
CHAPTER SEVEN
“I met a little girl; sho’ was fine,
pretty little thing, just about blew my mind.”
“She took me home and made love to me;
I knew right then and there this is where I wanted to be.”
The words of a song as sung by the immortal MARVIN GAYE repeatedly played over and over in my head as she entered the room; a vision so beautiful I knew heaven must have been missing an angel. When I saw her I froze, just like a deer caught up in a cars headlight ; it seemed as if time had stopped and all stood still as her voice was the only sound I heard when she spoke. Literally, I had to pinch myself just to make sure that it was not a dream and I was asleep.
I sat there in awe dazzled with amazement like a silly schoolboy while searching for words to say; feeling to myself if death has come for me then please let it be now.
When she spoke her name the words arrived to me like a soft whisper in the night with all the delicate music of a songbird in flight. She had the gift of illumination for with each smile the entire room seemed to have brightened. As she moved about the room her hair of blonde and brown danced through the air with the gracefulness of a Monarch butterfly. This woman possessed all the beauty of a mid-April flowery spring day.
Nothing else really mattered to me any more except for the fact that I knew that I had to meet this girl.
I knew just how to approach her and exactly what I wanted to say when a sudden cold brush of reality slapped me in the face. How could I say anything to her or ever expect to stand a chance of making a place for me in her heart? for while I sat there, I sat in a wheelchair. Here stood the chance for me to endure possibly the best thing that has ever happened to me in my life and now this opportunity was about to pass me by.
Oh, shattered dreams, the crudeness of life, with someone this lovely by my side guys would envy me from miles around. But I suppose it was just not to be, it seemed only just a dream. Nothing more could be expected at this point but compassion, sympathy, or a friendship. Fate had dealt me such a cruel blow.
Finally, while wiping back a tear as it fell from my eye I gathered enough strength to go over and speak. We talked of backgrounds; we talked of flowers; we talked of expectations and we talked of love. We talked for hours and it was like we had known each other forever. No way you could have convinced me this relationship was not meant to be. We have so much in common; we’ve shared the same joy’s and pains, we were meant to be.
In light of all the darkness that was now going on in my life the heavens had finally opened up and shined it’s rays of light down on me.
We talked so long in fact, that others had to come and interrupt our conversation in order to take care of this business for it was her time for therapy; see, she was in a wheelchair, too.
Professional Reviews
Catherine MacDonald, Author, Manager of Disabled Voices
Hi Eddie:Thanks for being part of the positive things that are happening...this group could not exist as it does without all of its members' help and support. I think that we can all help each other and enjoy writing at the same time. I am really enjoying your book! It is one of the few that is written from a guy's point of view...a wonderfully "twisted" little book! love your sense of humor!! :-) Well worth the read... Cathy________________________________________________________________Catherine M. MacDonald, Manager "Disabled Voices" http://communities.msn.ca/DisabledWritersGroup(Homepage) http://www.authorsden.com/catherinemmacdonald(Email) cmac29(at)hotmail.com OR cmac29ca(at)yahoo.ca
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Reviews for "Handicap and loving it"
Reviewed by Joshua
5/14/2002
“Ludicrous!” of the title I thought to myself so I read it strictly out of curiosity.
Read ‘Handicap and loving it’ and you’ll love it too.
Reviewed by Mertie D. Taylor
3/10/2002
This is GOOD! Enough said...
Reviewed by Thomas
2/6/2002
A bit of sarcasm and humor delicately spices this well-balanced story that is told with honesty and compassion. The writer maintains a human appeal by giving the reader something that they can relate to. You’ll feel as though you know this person.
Reviewed by Thomas
1/20/2002
Interesting chronicle of tales and captively told. I would like to have seen this story expanded. Consider doing a sequel.
Reviewed by Guest
12/6/2001
I bought and read your book and having broke my neck in 1997 can totally understand. My experiences weren't as positive but I appreciate the humor and honesty of this book. I feel like I peeled back a nice layer of your personal shielding and saw an honest look at you. Sad you never saw things so clearly before and I can understand why you seem to see this challenge as a blessing with no boundries. Good luck. - from Patricia Thompson
Reviewed by Butch Puckett
10/17/2001
Mr. Burley, you have done a wonderful job of telling your story and displaying your courage. This book is one fine piece of work. Thanks!
Reviewed by Larry Owens
10/15/2001
I am a person with disabilities, and I must say that I was upset when I read your book. I was very disappointed that you didn’t ask me to join in. Congratulations, kid! Go get ‘em!
Reviewed by Jesse
9/23/2001
Sir, you have an interesting story that is wonderfully told. The ability to persevere thru calamity is commendable. The tempo of your book is well paced, it's hard to put it down.
Reviewed by Tiffany Louise
9/9/2001
This is a great story and captivatingly told where the pace constantly changes. It's thrilling because you never know what to exspect until it comes together in the end.
Reviewed by Betsy Hillman
9/2/2001
You have here a potential best seller. It’s not often that a man will speak so candid and passionately concerning a sensitive issue.
Reviewed by D.A.Knox
8/27/2001
Laughter may not be a cure-all but it sure helps to know that there is a brighter side to tradgedy. I gave this book to a friend and turned his attitude around. Well done.
Reviewed by C. Thomas
8/23/2001
This book is a true find. It has something for everyone and is a great love story. The combination of poetry, short stories and bio’s to relay a message was masterfully done. Excellent reading!!!….
Reviewed by Joseph L. Jackson
8/19/2001
The author performs a clinic of putting his words on paper and the reader together as one. You’ll feel yourself becoming a part of this book. You’ll find yourself chuckling out aloud, tears form and getting misty eyed, and you’ll feel as though you’ve actually experienced the emotions first hand. Once you’ve finished this book you’ll want to read it again. Great job.
Reviewed by L. Lyles
8/17/2001
I got this book and I’m glad that I did. This is a story of person’s triumphs to be understood as a person and not a disability. It opened my eyes and shed new light on the way I view the disabled. There’s a lesson here to be learned by all. Thanks for the awakening.
Reviewed by Jenny C.
8/14/2001
Unique and interesting. This is a piece of art, the character himself is a story inside a story....this is a must read...
Reviewed by anitraf@webtv.net
8/10/2001
"Humor and candor are two powerful healing agents in this piece of writing. If you are looking for a dose of reality and fun, you've found the right book. God definitely can make lemoade from lemons...!"
Reviewed by Pat Patterson
8/10/2001
Some of the chapters were hilarious, others sad. All were thought provoking and evoked a sense of reality regarding handicaps.
Reviewed by Lucile T. Hall
8/10/2001
Thought provoking, I was left stund and speachless for a moment as I reflected on the words that I had just read.
Imogene, a country-bred girl, longs to make a life for herself in New York City. She joins forces with her former college roommate to start a movie production company in the big city.
Imogene, a country-bred girl, longs to make a life for herself in New York City. She joins forces with her former college roommate to start a movie production company in the big city.
