Down Memory Lane
Tom Remembers Ray Charles
January 28, 2001 was then the pinnacle of my sporting career; the years of interviewing players, coaches and managers took on a different hue in that a Deaf man was the center of attention as he fidgeted over his belt while awaiting for the world to watch his performance at Super bowl XXXV.
That evening was perfect as I glanced over to my left to catch a glimpse of the legendary Ray Charles on the other platform. Some two hours before I had watched him practice his rendition of America the Beautiful. I watched the rigid swaying of his body with the dark shades and glistening white teeth.
As he belted out the words to the song I realized I was being lifted to a different level of signing style that had not surfaced from within me before. In Tampa Florida, before millions a blind man singing and a deaf man signing our country's song, this truly is the home of the brave, the land of the free.
Ray Charles is no longer with us; Ray Charles is no longer blind, as he takes his place in the heavens, but he surely is still belting out a tune for all the ages. Now it is me who sways to an unheard melody with the memory of meeting Ray Charles that warm sunny day in Tampa, Florida. May Mr. Ray Charles, whom has touched many souls with his wonderful music rest in peace.
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