"Amazing People"

I'm different, gotta different kind of style I am who I am. I'm different, I don't care who knows it. When I look in the mirror I like who I am. Written by: Randy Newman

I heard this ditty in a commercial for Johnson & Johnson. It inspired me to share with you the following stories on different people. I think you'll agree, they're in a class by themselves.

I enjoy watching ice skaters in competition. They just seem to float on the ice so gracefully. David Michalowski, is a deaf competive ice skater. He demonstrates flawless techniques. He has memorized each work of music in order. Which in and of itself, makes him quite an amazing person.

Kitty O'Neill is a well known deaf stunt car racer. In 1976, she set a land speed record for women in a rocket-powered race car hitting a 512.083 miles per hour. Kitty established another record in 1970 for the fastest woman on water-skis 104.85 miles per hour.

After I finished the article on Johnnie Ray, I was contacted by the photographer (Joy Hanni) of his official website. It seems that we have another common interest, other then our appreciation of an incredible singer. Joy has a cousin (Ian) who traveled to meet Helen Keller, accompanied by his mother Lily, on May 19, 1948.

Joy was kind enough to send me a copy of the newspaper article, that shows a photo of her cousin and aunt with Helen Keller. When I received the clipping, Joy told me about her cousin's progress. Ian is busy, these days playing in a band, the instruments he plays are the maracas, cymbols, and the triangle. In addition to this, he's also part of a lawn bowling team where all of the players have sight/hearing/speaking impairments. Ian has won several trophies for his accomplishments in lawn bowling, and travels quite a bit as well.

I feel that I've met (online) so many caring people through Suite 101. I enjoy researching people like Johnnie, Helen, David, Ian and Kitty. It helps bring the world into perspective just a little bit better doesn't it?

Just this week alone, I received in the mail four newsletters from "Cry" Johnnie Ray's Official Fan Club. I could feel all the love and devotion that goes into making these newsletters.

I'm hoping to go visit Joy, Anne, and Rick in England at their celebration for Johnnie. Johnnie's birthday is January 10th, as noted in the fanzine. His life, career, and music will never leave our hearts. If he was still alive he would have celebrated his 73rd birthday, yesterday.

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