DANA BOWMAN
BLESSINGS NEVER EXPECTED… You never know when or where
life will lead you and tonight, I just had something wonderful
happen to me that teaches me a grand lesson about “seize
the moment.” I was feeling all lonely and depressed: all
of my dearest “parkie” friends were in Kentucky
at Winks’ house for the gala marriage of AJ & Greg.
My son has spent the last two weeks in Puerto Rico and heck,
yesterday morning, even my mom & my sisters flew to Florida
to meet up with Mitch and attend a family reunion. So, I was
feeling neglected, dejected and rejected. I did however have
tickets to the baseball game tonight from my good friend Jane
at IPMR (Institute of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation.
This was her big fundraiser and since part of the money that
we make from Shake, Rattle & Roll goes to IPMR, I felt that
we should go. Stan & I got ready (one of us more eagerly
than the other) and the first thing I did when I got out of
the jeep was to step on uneven ground and fall flat on my ass-off
to a great start, I was sure. Anyway, the fundraiser was entitled
‘Legend at the Ballpark’ and the guest of honor
was the legendary Lou Brock. OK, think I, maybe this might be
kinda cook anyway. Our free tickets were great-they got us good
seats and free dinner and complimentary beverages (beer is a
must for me at a ballpark!!...but Stan drank sodas) but we were
right in the wrong place to see Lou Brock so I somewhat faded
on his speech until I heard him mention Sandy Kofax-who was
my all-time favorite pitcher in the world and it occurred to
me that this very well was living history! And this guy knew
them all-I just sat and became lost in my own “Field of
Dreams.” After his talk, he was whisked right by me out
onto the playing field to throw out the honorary first pitch-but
first they needed the game ball. It was delivered by a parachutist
who was a double amputee-Dana Bowman!!! Needless to say, it
was a breathtaking experience to see this man float down to
land just inches away from the pitcher’s mound. OK-I’m
impressed. My friend and personal photographer, Craig Kendall
was also at the game and when he came looking for ‘the
girl in the wheelchair,’ he found us and he had his camera.
Soon, Craig was taking pictures of Stan & I with Pete Vanochen-
Harry Carey’s drinking buddy and ole Harry could never
tell a drinking story without mentioning Pete’s name during
those long ago days when he announced for the Chicago Cubs.
I had two copies of my book “Voices from the Parking Lot-parkinson’s
insights & perspectives” and so I gave one to Pete.
Then they wheeled me over to the long line that snaked along
the 3rd base side of the stadium to get a picture of me &
Mr. Brock. I was sitting there patiently looking at a myriad
of butts (good & bad-but hey-that’s my viewpoint)
when suddenly a friend from IPMR came and said that this would
take too long and she pushed me right up to the front of the
line!!! Lou Brock was & is larger than life and as he shook
my hand and accepted a copy of the book, I heard my friend tell
him about the money that I had helped to raise for a “gait-analysis”
carpet for IPMR. I wasn’t prepared (everything had happened
in such a rush!!) and all I could do was smile and look at that
huge athlete-still at 65 years of age while Craig shot pictures.
As I asked for an autograph, I was suddenly being propelled
backwards and found myself face to face with the most incredible
man that I have ever met…Dana Bowman. Dana was a Special
Forces soldier and a member of the US Army’s elite parachuting
team-The Golden Knights. In 1994, a mid-air collision with another
jumper during a special tandem jump turned horrific and Dana
lost both of his legs; his teammate was killed as they hit each
other at 300 mph. He no travels, inspiring people and speaking
with his motto: “It’s not the disability-It’s
the ability-Never quit.” When I noticed his jumpsuit with
prophetess sticking out where there should be legs, I knew him.
We spoke for along time, we connected somehow and made a lot
of plans. He knows about Shake, Rattle & Roll and wants
to jump in for it next year and he is expecting a book in the
mail and we exchanged emails, addresses and phone numbers. Before
he had to turn to his clamoring fans, he signed a card for me
that says: “Joan-this just shows you that some of us never
quit. Dana.” I must say that something inside me told
me that this guy is the real deal-the whole enchilada-the big
kahuna. I immediately sensed that we will become great friends
and that we will work together. I just know it to be true. I
cried and I know that he knows this, too. So begins another
of my wonderful friendships with people who inspire and teach
me and help me to remember to always “seize the moment.”
