"It took me months after the depression to build up my muscular strength—I needed to so that I could figure out how to transfer from the bed to the wheelchair. Then learning all the basics again with these crumpled fingers . . .man, it was hard. Initially, I resisted doing things on my own asking everyone else to do things for me. But one day one of my therapists said, 'Do it yourself, Johnny.' She wasn't mean or rude, but she kicked my butt and showed me I could do some things on my own."
Johnny made a small grin and looked at the reporter holding the microphone. He noticed her green eyes and full red hair and smiled wider.
"Tell me, Mr. Gage, about living in a wheelchair. What has it been like?" she asked gently.
"Well, wheelchair living is different. While I feel like I can get around in this power chair rather well, I have to be really aware of where I am and how I'm gonna get there. One of the initiatives I'm working on is somehow getting all public facilities like business and restaurants to be more wheelchair accessible."
She nodded her head in agreement and asked, "What about around your house?"
"Well, I'm fortunate to be living with my family in a remodeled suite. I have mobility within the house but there are many things I still need help with. There's the morning and evening routines for the basics—washing, getting dressed and so on. The fund provides for an attendant to help relieve some of these duties every day from my family. "Johnny blinked against the bright lights of the camera.
"Mr. Gage, tell me about your family."
Johnny paused for moment and reflected on the past eighteen months of his life and all that was now embedded in his heart. All that he had learned and how taking the next step toward this new life seemed harder than the first step.
"Um, there are times when I feel sorry for myself. But more for my family, really, than for me. Early on I really struggled with why I was still alive, why this had happened and so on. It took me a long time to resolve those feelings but there are still times when tears come. "Johnny made a small sigh and continued. He considered all those dark moments and pushed them aside.
"I am really quite content with my life now most of the time. Every so often, I feel twinges of impatience because there's something I can't do like pick up a book I've dropped or open a door. But I'm learning how to adapt every day. And it does get a little easier."
"Since your injury ended your job as a fireman/paramedic tell us what you're doing now," the reporter smiled, encouraging Johnny to continue.
"That was beyond difficult realizing I couldn't do what I love to do. But, I was given an opportunity to stay with the department and I now serve as the public liaison for the Los Angeles Firemen's Relief Association. We manage funds and programs for widows, orphans and disabled firemen. At first I was a little intimidated by the responsibility being in the public eye so much."
Johnny paused and looked beyond the reporter to Roy who was sitting behind the camera, smiling. Johnny remembered the first interview with the Chief and the President of the Relief Association and feeling so out of place. But with Roy's encouragement and steady strength, Johnny discovered the joy of working with this side of the department.
"I can't tell you how many times I'm moved to tears or gratitude when I work within our brotherhood of our families. We have a dangerous job and part of our commitment is to extend relief to those left behind or injured. Because of my own situation, I can relate so well with the rest of our disabled co-workers."
"Mr. Gage, it's been a pleasure interviewing you. We appreciate your time and candor. Most of all, thank you for your service to this county. I'm Emma Deal for KCAL 9 news." Emma turned off her microphone and looked away from the camera back to Johnny.
Johnny watched the lights turn off and he breathed a sigh of relief. No matter how many interviews or public speeches he made about his story, it left him emotionally weary. However, he put on his best lop-sided grin and his eyes sparkled as he spoke.
"No problem, Emma. I'm glad I could help. With the upcoming Fund Drive Ball, I think this will bring in some more donors." He tried not to slouch in the wheelchair and made sure he kept eye contact with this very pretty reporter.
He noticed Roy looking amused while Johnny attempted to keep Emma in conversation. Johnny simply glared at him briefly.
Johnny shifted a bit and cleared his throat. "Um. . . speaking of which . . . the Ball, I mean . . .uh, well I was wondering if . . ." Johnny could certainly feel the flush creep up his clean shaven cheeks and realized that he was sounding really desperate.
"Emma, what I mean, . . .is . . .would you allow me to escort you to the Ball?" There, he said it and still managed to keep his grin in place.
Emma's smile radiated warmth and pleasure and Johnny felt he could just lose himself in her brilliance. "Mr. Gage, I would love to!" she replied enthusiastically.
"Please, call me, Johnny," he said shyly.
She leaned in and gave him a quick embrace. "Call me," she whispered and Johnny just about lost all sense of professionalism especially since other people were still cleaning up equipment. He smiled at her as she shook Roy's hand and walked out the front door.
Roy looked back at Johnny who was still staring after Emma with eyes that were filled with happiness and satisfaction . . . and couldn't wipe off his own satisfied grin.
NOTE:
A big thank you to all who have waited so patiently for me to finish this story and to all who have encouraged me to complete it! It is been such a labor of love. I hope you are not too disappointed with the outcome, but I had to keep it real and I have my own satisfied grin! Please check out the LAFRA online.