This is my FIRST blog.. So here goes..
I wanted to share this with you guys... even though it happened to me back in the Spring of 2004, I just posted it TODAY on the clayboard (3/10/06)...
It's all about... what Clay has showed us... that through it all, making a difference in some way... is what REALLY matters.
This true story is about when I realized just how much Clay has impacted my life.. I call it a true "measure of a man' defining moment...
OK Here goes... it's a long one.. Enjoy and I hope you take away something empowering, positive and "joy"ful.
"What REALLY matters"..
During these quieter times, it's giving me a little more time to reflect on the last few years and just how Clay has impacted my life, musically, philanthropically or in the incredible amount of new friends that I now consider as close as family.
I wanted to share my story with you, one that I used to recount about why Clay was so special a man-- and it's been a while now, and in reading all the tabloid saga, I thought that you might appreciate this reflection.. And because the day that it happened, is when I realized just how much CLAY helped me open my eyes up and realize that in our differences, we can become stronger and how sharing those differences, makes us all better people for it..
This IS a true story- nothing embellished, nothing left out...
It was springtime; a beautiful saturday afternoon 2004, and I was visiting the town of Gainsville Florida for the first time. The trees were rustling, the birds were chirping, and you could just tell that springtime was in the air. I was alone in my car and ventured thru an area which was called a "health park"... I thought (silly me).. maybe i'd find a nice walking trail but instead, just a quiet windy road, lot's of trees and a few buildings in the background.
I had JUST popped my MOAM CD into the car stereo and selected my FAVORITE song #11- "Measure of a Man"... And Just as the beginning words began to play--- IF BY CHANCE YOU FIND HIM, HE'S BROKEN DOWN HE'S LOST EVERYTHING.... now I kid you not.. just as THOSE words were playing, I was cresting down this windy road and there appears a man in front of me..... rolling down this beautiful street.. in a wheelchair!! ... It was just ME, and HIM and THOSE beginning words to "Measure of a Man".
The tears just started falling freely down my cheeks... what were the chances in all possible worlds, of that happening! To find myself on this road with HIM and listening to THOSE words...
Now, before CLAY... I don't think this scene would have caused me to be so taken back... but, now, I knew that I had to pull myself together (since I didn't want this man to see me crying) and as I slowy passed him, I nodded and the man nodded and smiled back at me.
I then, realized something ---I yearned to find out who this man was, why he was on this quiet street -no houses, no other cars and so I dryed my eyes and as I re-approached him, I rolled down my window, and started a conversation.
He appeared to be a man in his mid 40's- and I asked him about his wheelchair, and he explained that he had a diving accident years ago. I then curiously asked what he was doing all the way out here on the road on this beautiful saturday afternoon, thinking that maybe he lived in the nearby area.
That's when he told me, he was on his lunch break, and that he worked in the building around the corner..
You see the 'Health Park', including some insurance office buildings, but it also included an assisted living and rehab center.
He was on his lunch break.. and HE was a physical therapist helping OTHERS to rehab!
I offered him a wonderful day, and thanked him for doing the job that he had and how wonderful that he was giving back and making others stronger... and as I drove off, the tears reappeared down my cheek...
It was then, that I realized the Measure of a Man.
To this day, no matter where I am, what I am doing, as soon as I hear those first few words to "Measure of Man", I tear up and remember, how this man decided to not let his physical disability stop him from helping others become stronger..
So, today, I thank you Clay .. for sharing with us .. what REALLY matters..
Joy njoyclay
CarolinaClay
ClayIzzaQT
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