My decision to attend the Concert to End Polio featuring Itzhak Perlman was an easy decision to make. Here was a famous person willing to share his passion, his talent and his courage with the world in an attempt to raise funds to support Rotary International's Polio Plus program. More importantly for me, was the connection that he was a fellow polio survivor who has not allowed his disability to interfere with following his passion. And for all of you music lovers, that does not mean I do not appreciate the talent and skill this man has with a violin because I most certainly do.
And so began my planning and preparation for my journey to New York City. I have to admit that the one main concern on my mind was my shoes. Guess that is part of being a woman. Having recently had major reconstructive surgery on my left polio foot, the only pair of shoes I owned that now fit my "new foot" was a pair of black and gray sneakers. I was still in the process of adjusting to orthotics and back to a lift/no lift on my right shoe and had not been able to purchase shoes suitable for dressing up. Who attends Lincoln Center and the Philharmonic Symphony in sneakers? Who? I do. Was I going to miss the opportunity of a lifetime to meet Itzhak Perlman just because I was in sneakers? No, I was not. So off I went.
Center section, seven rows back and anticipation growing. Suddenly movement to the left of the stage, 1st violinist carrying Mr. Perlman's violin and bow. Behind her, crutches and swinging braces bearing determined legs moved forward. And there he was, bigger than life, beaming smile, standing proud right in front of me. The audience immediately embraced him, on their feet with roars of applause. Only a few of us there could truly appreciate the effort it had taken for him to walk on that stage and step up on the platform to his seat. Courage. Tears in my eyes, I knew this was where I should be.
With the first note, Perlman soon had all entranced. The music moving each of us to a secret place within our own world.
And with the final notes floating softly to the sky, the audience graciously thanking Mr. Perlman, it was over. I was one of the privileged few able to meet this great man at the reception following. As I walked up and shook his hand I thanked him for his efforts. And stepping aside to let others through, I looked down on my sneakers and thought how beautiful. They had delivered me to a magical evening I will not soon forget. Thank you and God bless, Mr. Perlman. Together we will End Polio Now!
Ann Lee Hussey
Ann Lee Hussey
Chair, Polio Survivors and Associates Rotary Action Group
Reach Out to Africa, Functional Coordinator for Health Initiatives
Zone 32 Coordinator Health and Hunger 2009-2010
District 7780 Governor, 2010-2011
Rotary Club of Casco Bay Sunrise |
