June 16, 2006
The Man with the Halo in Eureka, California
Jack wears the unmistakabe four-pointed bindi of those who have suffered excruciating pain.
I lost concenration as soon as I saw the four scars in his forehead. He was checking me into his Comfort Inn in Eureka, California but I wanted to know his story. If you have been around the disability community long enough you learn to recognize the marks from the screws set into the skull for holding a "halo" traction device.
I never had the chance to ask Jack just what part of India he came from but I did congratulate him. Too few who wear that particular badge of courage are fully ambulatory and without a permanent disability.
If ever you are in Eureka needing a place to stay look up Jack's Confort Inn. At every turn during my one night's stay I was double teamed whenever I had a need -- staff showing up at my car to help me get out, to carry my luggage, holding the room door open for me.
Oddly enough, when I mentioned the scars to the staff they had no idea what they were from. Apparently Jack models excellent service to his employees even without telling them his own personal brush with disability.
That's good leadership.
Posted by rollingrains at June 16, 2006 01:46 AM