[RVRC] Two stories from me regarding Eric...

[N2GJ_AMSAT]

Story #1: The first time I met Eric was during a work party day at the
repeater site a couple of weeks after I joined the club.  It was a
beautiful day outside, and he was sitting on a chair outside the garage,
next to his dog.  We chatted for some time about his many interests,
including marksmanship.  I enjoyed his stories very much.  I wish I had
more time to spend with him.  I suspect we all do.

Story #2:  When Connie and I went on our Alaska cruise, shortly after I met
Eric, I brought my HT with me to contact RVRC, especially Eric, via IRLP
through a repeater in Juneau.  As I was unable to raise him on the
repeater, I figured I'd contact him to get him on the air by sending him a
text message.  I sent a couple - but nothing - no response.  So, in
desperation, I just called him on the phone.  He answered right away and I
said "How come you didn't respond to my text?  I'm trying to get you to
come on the repeater so I can call you from here in Alaska via IRLP."

He replied "Oh!  Is THAT what those beeping noises were on my phone?!  I
had no idea...you know I'm blind...and I can't read text messages."

Well, the truth is, after what occurred in Story #1,* I HAD ABSOLUTELY NO
IDEA THAT ERIC WAS VISUALLY IMPAIRED!  I* know, completely clueless!  But
he didn't LOOK blind!  And what blind person goes target shooting?!  Well,
it turns out that Eric was one who was both blind AND a pretty good
marksman, as unexpected as that might be, according to all reports!

Anyway, as John WA2F so aptly reminded us, "God will care for him now."
 Godspeed, Eric.  73

GJ
Gerry Jurrens N2GJ
mailto:n2gj at amsat.org