by Rosanna M. Lippen
(Editor’s Note: In recent months, ACB-L, the e-mail discussion list which ACB makes available to its members and friends became the venue for a number of rather unpleasant discussions. Debates have skirted the outer edges of civility at times. Some subscribers have attempted to dominate discussions by the sheer number of messages they have posted on particular topics, day in and day out. Some subscribers actually unsubscribed during the worst of these times, and others of us made liberal use of our delete fingers on computer keyboards. Yet ACB runs a moderated list, and discussions did not become so heated or messages so aggressive that subscribers were asked to leave or messages could be characterized as “flaming.”
At this writing, the ACB List has returned to the civilized discussion group list members joined in the first place, and sharing information and talking with friends have once again become the reasons people give for joining the list and posting messages.
Even during the days of the most heated discussions and the most destructive slings and arrows, however, the List was a source of strength and hope to a number of subscribers. Friendships were forged, divine intervention was sought and granted, and ACB-L was a corner of the ACB dwelling place where the best aspects of the American Council of the Blind were allowed to grow and thrive. We thank Rosanna Lippen for reminding us of the best reasons for subscribing to ACB-L.)
Between all the bashing and slandering that was happening on ACB-L a few months ago, a husband wrote a loving note asking for us to pray for his wife. She had injured herself at work and was in a great deal of pain. Being totally blind, he said that he was afraid that he wouldn’t be able to do enough for her. He seemed to be in great fear of losing her, not to anyone else, but to depression and negative emotions that emerged from fear and feelings of hopelessness that went beyond the vision loss they both shared.
He received many replies with well wishes and legal advice from readers who had read his message and wanted to help. But I felt a personal need to go deeper. I felt a connection to this man’s wife. We shared low vision and back injury issues. I e-mailed him privately, showing support and compassion to this woman I had never met.
First in return came an e-mail from him, thanking me for caring and taking time to share my experiences. Following that initial message, there started a unique friendship that is continuing to grow each day.
And with the growth of our friendship, the woman has gotten stronger, and improved health is on the horizon. We now speak on the phone and via e-mail almost daily. And I feel lucky to have made an impact on someone who in turn has made one on me.
I find it amazing that we have been in the same place for several national conventions, yet never crossed paths. But now, I have something additional to look forward to: meeting this wonderful lady and her knight in shining armor in person at future ACB conventions.
Thanks ACB-L. And thanks Randy and Sherri for changing and enriching my life through love, compassion and support.
(Note: To subscribe to ACB-L, send a message to majordomo@telepath.com. Leave the subject line blank. In the body of the message, type the words “subscribe ACB-L.”)