On June 26, 2006, the Department of Motor Vehicles took away my commercial driver’s license.  My job took me through 48 states, parts of Canada and one trip to Mexico City, Mexico.  Being a long haul driver is a lot like being a gypsy:  the freedom of the road, the freedom of the soul and freedom to be who I really am.  Through all of my many travels I have met some pretty amazing people.  I have met drivers who write songs, some write lyrics, some even write for magazines.  I have met several police officers in different states, some were understanding and some were not.  I have met pagans and warlocks, a variety of hunters, fishermen, gamblers and a lot of good ole boys.  As you can see, my job was my whole world.  Then one day the sky opened up, the rain began to fall.  I spent so many long and depressing months trying to figure out where and how I was going to go on after being on the road for the last 16 years.  The worst part about losing one’s eyesight is always remembering how it was.  My mom got so worried about my depression she started talking with her friends and co-workers.  Mom works at Wal-Mart, and someone’s daughter’s friend had a friend who was blind and gave my mom the phone number to the most significant person in my life to date.  Her name is Fran Osborn.  She is the first angel I have ever met.
        The first time I spoke to Fran was the day after I left a voice mail on her recorder. The first thing Fran asked me was, “What do you need”, which blew me away because I had no idea what I was needing.  Mostly I was looking for someone to talk with who
could relate to my present condition.  The very next morning, Fran was knocking on my front door.  Fran is maybe five feet tall, though she seems much larger to me.  Fran has

been blind since birth; she has three sons and several grandchildren that she occasionally baby-sits for.  Fran has a beautiful tan colored lab and terrier mix guide dog name Rizzo.  I was so impressed with how Fran and Rizzo work together.  They were able to get around my house almost as well as I.  I am so amazed and in awe of this special woman.  Fran sat down with me and asked me some simple questions, and then amazed
me further by telling me that she could help me change my life for the better if I would only trust her.  On that very day I know that God had sent me this Special Angel.
        The next day, I was sent a second Angel, named Emily.  Emily is also in awe of Fran.  Emily’s title is Home Vocational Instructor, and she did just that.  She made my house conform to me.  She put bump dots on the washer and dryer, so that I can line the two dots up to the setting I want.  She also applied the same technique to the microwave, stove and dishwasher.  Because of Emily I am able to do all the things I use to do, like cook home made meals, clean the house, and go fishing with my granddaughter.  Emily is also teaching me Braille.  Who would have thought I would meet two Angels in two days?
        Fran then sent me a third Angel also name Emily, or Hot Emily as my son refers to her.  Emily is an Orientation and Mobility Instructor, who recently graduated from Stephen F. Austin University.  I am so astonished at her accomplishments at such an early age.  Emily has given me back my freedom.  She has taught me how



to get around using my cane.  She has also taught me to use the Dart System for getting around town and not getting lost.  I am able to attend college classes because of all the hard work she put me through this summer.  She is truly an Angel.
        Since meeting Fran Osborn my life has gone uphill at a constant and steady pace.  I am back on track with my life.  I owe it all to meeting my First Angel. 


The End