Columnist Bob Bridge
“Just keep me where the light is. C’mon, keep me where the light is.”
- John Mayer
A solitary figure sat in the driveway, head tilted backward, eyes closed and facing directly toward the sun.
No one worships that spectacular sphere in the sky more faithfully and fervently than Christopher Couch. I call him Buttercup just to ruffle his feathers, but he prefers Chris.
I eased my Jeep into the driveway next to his wheelchair.
“Me need to talk to you.“
“Go ahead, talk.”
“Listen.”
“Listen to what?”
“Not right. You need to take Jeep to garage.”
The engine was emitting an irritating tick.
“It’s OK, Buttercup.“
“No! Listen to me. Take to garage!”
He was right, of course. But who would be comfortable taking mechanical advice from a guy who crashed broadside into Jimmy Gratzer’s golf cart, flipped his chair upside down on his on his papaw’s back lawn, and rolled roughshod over my foot … then laughed about it?
Truth be told, I am probably more comfortable around Chris than anyone I’ve known, with the notable exception of my beloved basset, Ralph Waldo, Emerson.
I consider Chris the consummate communicator, capable of conveying, exactly what he means, via a modicum of words, and that irrepressible smile.
He is Edgewood’s “miracle man.”
Chris arrived into this world, black, blue, and beleaguered with enough burdens to chase a babe back into the womb.
“He wasn’t supposed to make it overnight,” explained Carrie, his sister and devoted fan. “He was born with cerebral palsy.
“They kept setting random years he would pass away. They said he could never comprehend anything or learn to talk.”
Heck, now we can’t get him to shut up!
“Bub struggled the first few years of his life and was doubted by many,” Carrie said, “but to this day he is the most successful person I know.”
Certainly the strongest, most courageous human I know.
Chris has been afforded assistance along the way, particularly from his loyal family and LARC.
The ARC of Lawrence County, affiliated with Stone Belt, is one of my favorite local community agencies. It has been incredibly generous to special folks such as Chris and their families.
Two of my dear friends, Cindy Elliott and Charles Edwards, are inviting us to the building just east of the high school Thursday, Oct. 24 for tours and a lunch.
Festivities begin at 11 a.m.
This is a chance for Cindy, Charles and the staff to explain the valuable work being done at this fabulous facility.
Call 812-279-3229 to let them know you plan to attend.
I will be there with Buttercup.
Can we count on Chris to buy?
Sure …
Don’t let him fool you. He’ll pretend to search for that mysterious billfold in his backpack. Then, he’ll flash you that sly smile.
It’s been 40 years … and that elusive billfold remains “undiscovered.”
Bob Bridge welcomes comments at 812-276-9646 or bbbbbridge@gmail.com.
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