[Elecraft] Lesson from a Ham (WAS: SKN)

[Ron D'Eau Claire]

I used to work him regularly on 40 CW. He had a beautiful fist on his Bug.
We never met for an eyeball QSO, but we developed a warm relationship over
time. 

He was a retired maritime operator and we enjoyed swapping sea stories. We
had some real long rag-chews. We certainly weren't QRQ ops. Most commercial
maritime ops weren't. I'd putter in the shop while he regaled me with the
details of an long-ago exploit, then I'd pour a fresh cup of Java and take
my turn. 

Sometimes we wouldn't work each other for a few months. We never kept a
sked. We just bumped into each other on the band from time to time,
recognizing each other's fists instantly while tuning around. 

One day he answered my CQ. I didn't recognize him at first. His fist was not
right. Indeed, it sounded far too mechanical. He explained and apologized.
He had suffered a stroke. In spite of physical therapy he had not recovered
enough control over his hand to operate a key, not even a straight key. So,
to get on the air, he bought a keyboard and was poking at it with one finger
- the best he could do with his crippled hands.

Of course I was simply glad he was still on the air. 

If I were to run across him on SKN, I would not vote for him as "best fist".
That'd be an insult, But I'd likely vote for him as "best QSO" and mean it
from my heart. 

I hone my skills on my straight key and my bugs every chance I get. I'll
enjoy the keys just like every other part of life to the extent I am able.
Especially those parts of life that touch and encourage others. 

It's what he taught me to do. 

Ron AC7AC