I met OJ Brigance tonight

[rmw10]

Wow, what an inspiration!

 

As some of you may know, OJ Brigance released his book today.  He was doing a book signing for it's release at Greetings & Readings in Hunt Valley.  For obvious reasons, in lieu of a signature, his wife was stamping each book with his facsimile signature.  More on her to come.  The book was $27, which was well worth it.  Price wasn't really much an object.  This was more about meeting such a great man.  It was kind of last minute, but I was able to rally up my parents and drag them along for the ride.

 

After a bit of time in line, I got up to the table to meet Brigance.  His eye-to-text machine is absolute incredible.  It's crazy what technology is able to do for someone with such a debilitating disease.  As I approached the table, I got a quick "Hi, how are you doing?"  Of course I responded and asked how he was doing.  His answer was "I'm living the dream."  Amazing.  For a man going through what he has to say he's living the dream is incredible.  He asked my name and as I was leaving the table, he said "It was nice to meet you Ryan."  All of this with an incredible huge smile on his face the whole time.

 

Now, onto his wife, Chanda.  I don't know how she does it.  She was easily one of the nicest people I've ever had the pleasure of meeting.  My dad and I went up to the table, and my mom stayed back to get a picture.  She immediately stuck out her hand and thanked us for coming out. She had a good 2 minute conversation with us, talking about whatever came to mind.  She asked our names, told us to enjoy the book, and off we went.  But wait, my mom also said bye, although she didn't approach the table.  Chanda called my mom over and had to meet her as well.  My mom left with tears in her eyes.  It's amazing someone going through that could have that much of a positive outlook.  I'm sure it stems from OJ's outlook.

 

If I'm a player, OJ is going to motivate me to play my hardest each and every week.  This was easily one of the best experiences of my life.  If he happens to have another one of these book events, I strongly suggest you go.  It was worth way more than the $27 ever would.  I admittedly probably haven't truly read a book since high school, but this is one that I'm dying to start.

[Purple Nurple]

What a great experience!

[jimjim5]

That is awesome. Wish I were there. I can't imagine how much of an inspiration he is to people.

[berad]

That's an awesome story and the Brigances seem like great people. ALS is extremely trying but it's nice to see them in good spirits and making the most of life. They're inspirational, like you said.

It's hard not to get emotional when you see OJ or consider the situation. Simply put, it's not fair. Diseases don't care for fairness though, anyone suffering can tell you.

It sounded like a blast to meet them and nice to get those personal touches. I will pick the book up soon. Here's to a cure and all those still fighting.

[ratedr]

What a great experience. Thanks so much for sharing.

[Moderator 3]

For those who couldn't make the signing, the book is available through Amazon both in hardcopy and Kindle formats.

[SizzleSuggs55]

Sadly a good friend of mine lost his father recently to ALS, he fought and fought and was an inspiration, and so is O.J. It's so sad but also so inspiring to see him fighting every day and loving every minute of life. Truly a special person, must have been a wonderful moment.

[rmw10]

Thanks guys. One of the more enjoyable experiments of my life, even though it was only a couple of minutes.

[GrimCoconut]

That's awesome. Good for you. Seems like a great experience.