by Ricky Doc Sauceda
I met a man last week who wanted to get a Texas drivers license. He has moved here from New York state and was really upset about having to surrender his NY license to get a Texas one...but that is the requirement. He left our office last week but returned today. He is a big man and has a deep and powerful voice. He is a retired fireman from New York...Long Island. He witnessed the destruction of the Twin Towers on 9/11. He told me that the day before the crashes, there was a couple of fighter jets flying through the area. And when planes were used to crash into the towers...he felt a connection.
He confided that he has been reminiscing with feelings of both joy and sadness...for his departed wife of a few years. She fell ill with cancer and was overcome by it - he misses her dearly. He looked very sad and it touched me very deeply; to see such a mountain of a man feel compassion for his life partner of over forty years. I had to reach out and I did...even as I was sitting inside behind a desk. I didn't care because my brother needed someone to help at that moment.
He said,"I miss her." So, I told him she is at rest right now and that he will indeed see her again. At first he was stunned and responded,"I hope so." Then, I said that in time he will. As we conversed about the medical treatment she underwent at the Texas Medical Center, he revealed that he has lost about ninety pounds and is still working at getting healthier. I told him encouraging things and by the time we were through processing his drivers license...he had a smile and a look of relief. He shook my hand and we wished each other a good day.
Now, that is edification folks. I am happy that he BELIEVES.
(He also has a motorcycle endorsement and plans on resuming his passion for riding...maybe a scooter he said.)