You wouldn’t have guessed. He is so confident, so self-assured. And he glows healthily. He's pretty fit, too. In both senses of the word. You wouldn’t mind a date with him, would you? Of course you wouldn't. I'm lucky. I get to see him every day
They say that what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger. I always thought that was a bit of a cop out or a well-worn cliché. Along with the university of life and the school of hard knocks. He's had them all. But he more than survives. He lives.
But look at what happened to him:
· Abused and beaten by his parents.
· No education
· Sold to the slave trade
· Abused by his employers
· Survived an explosion but left blind
· No money available for rehabilitation
· Robbed at gunpoint
· Left homeless and sleeping on the street
He overcame it all. Now he almost rules the world. You wouldn’t want to cross him. Not in a million years. He’s a tough one now. He stands no nonsense.
Yet, he’s the kindest of men. Rich but doesn’t expect people to do his dirty work. His home is open to everyone. He has a guide dog now and supplies many others with them. Always says “Let me have a look at you.” Looking, of course means touching but always in a respectful way. There's a sense as well in which he can look straight through you. He can tell when you're not being genuine.
He gives most of his wealth away. He says, “You take it, honey. You need it more than I do.” He says that to everyone.
A true survivor. Big time. Love him! How can you not?
About the author
Gill James is published by The Red Telephone, Butterfly and Chapeltown.
She edits CafeLit and writes for the online community news magazine: Talking About My Generation.
She is a Lecturer in Creative Writing and has an MA in Writing for Children and PhD in Creative and Critical Writing.
http://www.gilljameswriter.com
https://www.amazon.co.uk/-/e/B001KMQRKE
https://twitter.com/GillJames
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