August 5, 2009
Written By: Phyllis Cox

As you know, we recently held our Summer Conference and we had a great time and enjoyed the social and business opportunities it afforded us all.   We all met in New Orleans and then cruised out of there to Cozumel.  It was a quick trip but it was a great time.  On the cruise I ran into a guy that went by the name of Skinny.  He was always pleasant, funny, friendly and we talked several times during the course of the cruise.  Seems that almost everywhere I went I saw him.  Maybe he was in the gift shop buying candy, or in line at the buffet getting his breakfast, or waiting for the elevator after a day on shore.  Whenever I saw him he spoke to me and we exchanged pleasantries.  I found out he was from Arkansas (no, I didn't hold that against him because I'm from Arkansas, too) and he had dabbled in several business but most of his life he had been an auctioneer.  One morning I was sitting with Skinny and Carl Vande Weerd joined us and we were chatting.  He said, matter of factly, "I wake up every day in a really great mood.  I'm happy and ready for my day....if it just wasn't for this MS!"  You see, every time I saw Skinny he was on his motorized wheelchair or moving from the wheelchair to a chair with the use of a cane.  He was probably 50 years old and he had this debilitating disease...but that didn't deter him from being upbeat, friendly and ready to face each day.  Can we say that about the way we start our day or think about our lives?  I admit that I don't always do that...but after meeting Skinny....I'm going to sure try.  I'm sure he surrounds himself with very positive, friendly people and that made me think about the fact that that is what this Association is all about.  The Association consists of friendly and positive members that are ready to help their fellow member at any time.  We strive as individuals and members of the Association to be the best we can be.  It seems like Skinny has done that.  Hopefully we can too.