A good deed done

Roscoe · #1 (**permalink**) 11-03-2003, 12:46 PM

I was at a brunch at a friends house a couple of weeks ago and met a guy in his 50’s who went totally blind about 15 years ago. He is very up and adapted very well to his condition. He got really excited when he heard I had a Cobra and talked about his original 240Z he still keeps in his garage. We talked cars, Cobras and racing most of the day and really enjoyed the company.

Before I left he asked me if I was ever up in his area could I just stop by and let him ‘feel’ the car and hear the engine. This really touched me and I went up there today. He was in awe as his hands slowly ran around the car, ever so carefully, feeling every nook and cranny, commenting on every part. I could just imagine him forming the picture in his mind.

I belted him up and took him out for a spin also. He was really grateful and I had a great feeling as I left. He said I made is whole year but I think he made mine.

Be always thankful for what we have,
Roscoe

avanti-176 · #2 (**permalink**) 11-03-2003, 01:34 PM

Great story Roscoe There are too few people like you around that realize that it's the little things we can do in life that make it worth living.

Have a good one,
Dan

rdorman · #3 (**permalink**) 11-03-2003, 01:45 PM

What a great story! It is so nice to be able to help people especially with a pashion in common. That is one of the main reasons I get such a kick out of the Fling.

Now if Wilf can hook up that guy who is terminal and has always dreamed of riding in a Cobra................

Ambassadors of good will!

I assume you let the pipes cool down first didn't you!

Rick

casaleenie · #4 (**permalink**) 11-03-2003, 01:52 PM

Roscoe,,

Nice story and a happy ending... I can't even imagine what that would be like zooming around in that car in the absolute dark...
It's scary when I can see where I'm going....

By the way,, What are you doing out of the Lounge??????

Roscoe · #5 (**permalink**) 11-03-2003, 01:55 PM

Rick.....I warned him about the pipes....of course.

Cas....I snuck out out the Lounge when no one was looking. shhhh!

mrmustang · #6 (**permalink**) 11-03-2003, 02:12 PM

Bob,

Nice job.

Bill S.

wilf leek · #7 (**permalink**) 11-03-2003, 02:16 PM

Rick - ref the sick guy here in the UK - my offer to him stands, but he is apparently stuck on the idea of a ride in a REAL Cobra, so his son is contacting the UK AC Owners club.
I hope he can pull it off. I don't think Evan can drive that far.

Wilf

larryar · #8 (**permalink**) 11-03-2003, 02:36 PM

Great story! When I am in car shows (local types), my wife and I have let kids sit behind the wheel many times and have their picture taken. The smiles on their faces are better than any trophy I could win!
Larry

rdorman · #9 (**permalink**) 11-03-2003, 03:29 PM

"I don't think Evan can drive that far."

Would the guy rather ride in a COB or with a Gashole?

Rick

Edley Rondinone · #10 (**permalink**) 11-03-2003, 07:49 PM

I also let young children, and TEENAGE girls sit in my Cobra at car shows/cruise nights! The kids get a great big smile, and if the parents have a camera, they get to save the moment for posterity.

KobraKarl · #11 (**permalink**) 11-03-2003, 08:46 PM

Good for you Roscoe, what a cool day for you both.
KK

CRZN427 · #12 (**permalink**) 11-04-2003, 12:08 AM

Roscoe,

That feeling can also be captured by taking part in things like the Braille Rallye, held in Southern California each summer.

I attended a couple when I had my LAE, and plan on doing it again with my FFR when I get it done.

It is a trip where "sight challenged" and "blind" kids get to go out and interact with strangers in an automotive situation.

The drivers always include CHP, local Sheriff, City Police, several local celebrities, quite a few of the local rallye club members and a few odd folks like me (that heard about it and went to have fun in my Cobra).

Beginning drivers are usually given a sight challenged kid, boys and girls, with the rallye insrtuctions in large print so the driver has a chance of getting to the finish line some time during the day.

Experienced drivers are given a blind kid, boys and girls, and the rallye instructions are in braille.

In either event the kids have to learn to communicate with the drivers to be able to get through the event and find the picnic area at the end of the course.

There are trophys for the four or five top winners, kids only, that turn in the best time in completing the course.

During the drivers meeting the kids are introduced to the drivers and are given a chance to "see" the cars before the start. Some of their comments are precious.

I had a bind kid once that knew all about Cobras. It seems that the organizers made sure he got assigned to me since I had the only Cobra there that time. You have to pre register with proof of insurance so they knew what I was bringing.

The cars are started a few minutes apart, and although it is not encouraged, there is uaually a tire smoking start out of the parking lot. Several of them put on a show with a little smoke and noise, but I got the only standing ovation.

Not only was there a burnout start but the local ABC affiliate was on hand to film the beginning. The TV crew actually got there a little late and were not set up until it was my turn to leave the staging area.

My wife got a call from an old friend who was watching the 6: o'clock news, she found out about my smokin' start before I got home to relate the story to her.

There were a bunch of very greatful and happy kids that day. I had the same experience each time and look forward to the next one with my FFR, when I finally get it done.

Cal Metal · #13 (**permalink**) 11-04-2003, 07:43 AM

Good for you, Roscoe.