Bader and driving

[Jeff Cain]

Esther et all

During my recovery from my accident, Bader's biography "Reach for the
Sky" served as my inspiration and guide for what was possible after
amputation.

Two years later I had the good fortune to be invited to Europe to speak
on the topic of the influence of illness on a health care provider.
While there I took the opportunity to take a flying lesson in a 1936
Tiger Moth open cockpit biplane.

Before the instructor and I went up, I felt it my responsibility to tell
him about my prosthesis, but in some kind of understated English way. So
I told him that I was working on my Douglas Bader impression, but I had
it only half right.

To his look of surprise, I pulled up my pant leg, which prompted his
response-

"Douglas Bader was a son of a b...."

Turns out he was Bader's godson, and full of stories about Bader's life
and times from personal history.

The symmetry of the moment was striking.

This was the first time that I recognized the blessing of the accident
and amputation. For the acrobatic flight over the castles of southern
England with my hero's godson and its personal meaning was a gift that
happened because of my accident, not in spite of it.

One of the steps to integrating this change on life's path.

Jeff

>
> My parents found that book for me when I had my
> accident and amputation (1970).  I enjoyed reading
> it.
>
> My accident and amputation happened while my Dad
> was stationed in England (with USAF).
> My Dad arranged for me to meet Douglas Bader, as
> we both went to Blatchford limbfitters.

>
> -- Esther