April 4, 2014
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EXTRAORDINARY!
Extraordinary!
My friends, do you know
of Robert Wadlow?
At the age of twenty-two,
He was known for his big shoe.
But foot infection took the life,
Of a youth whose soul was so rife!
Truly he died rather young,
And his praises are much sung –
By both acquaintance and friend --
For his kind ways to the end.
“Extraordinary!” states the Guinness,
Alton, Ill’s giant known for gentleness.
Growing still when death came -
Eight, eleven, his frame . . .
Though tallest human undoubtedly,
Made him quite extraordinary…
He’d be the most happy for sure,
Of love and respect that endure.
© cjj: 04-04-14
My parents home was Alton, IL. This is the city from where most all of our family hails. Robert Wadlow is one of Alton's most famous citizens in history. Most folks of my parents' age (give or take years) knew him or his family. Mom used to walk to school with one of his sisters. There is a really nice video about him that I own, & we have taken pics of family members next to his statue & his chair (statue). If a 6' person sits in that chair, he (or she) looks like a child sitting in it! I don't have those pictures handy, but here is a famous one from the Wikipedia article. He is standing next to his 5'11-1/2" dad. To find out more about him you can Google him, find him on You Tube, etc. Here is the Wiki link.
Have a wonderful weekend!
Comments (18)
My gosh that is amazing!! I mean... extraordinary.
4 There were giants in the earth in those days; and also after that...
Life at times can be more exciting (& at times stranger) than fiction.
It's true, everyone is special and important! I've read about this man. They don't live as long as other people at that size, do they? I like your poetry too.
It's catching! Did you ever read about the Elephant man? That was so interesting too.
I don't know about all giants; but in his case it was a faulty brace thar irritated his ankle, causing a blister and subsequent parasitic infection. Doctors treated him with a blood transfusion and emergency surgery, but his condition worsened due to an auto-immune disorder, & then within 2 weeks he died.
I've heard of the Elephant Man, but until just now, had not read about him. On t.v., I've seen similar cases to his. Interesting, & sad, too.
quite interesting ~
Yes... he was the oldest of 5, & was born normal-sized, & the only one who had his condition -- hyperplasia of the pituitary gland.
I've heard of him. But, now I want to learn more.
He had a good, though short life.
I think I have read about him. Whenever I go to Alton, someone or the other always mentions him to us.
Have you seen his statue at the park on College Ave. opposite the Alton Museum of History & Art? It's impressive!
It must have been trying to have to endure the stares and comments... There is no way to blend in when you really stick out. It is good that he embraced his difference and was known for his gently ways and kindness. Nice poem and a good use of the prompt!!
The great thing about Robert is that he was so loved by his Alton citizen "family" that he was fully accepted, well treated, & made to feel (which is true) that he was completely normal in every way except for his size. Little children loved him (& vice versa), & the town was overall protective of him & of his privacy. He was a good man with a wise, good family.
Thanks for the kudos, Val. I'm enjoying the challenge of writing to prompts.
Thanks Carolyn to teach us . I did not know the giant of the Illinois .
It was not easy for him to be so tall!
Love
Michel
You're welcome. It wasn't easy, but he dealt with it well, & was loved by those who knew him!
I didn't know he was from there but I heard about him,
he died from a foot problem. Great.
Well, I think he will love it when I'm back to myself for sure. I have two more weeks before I see the dr. so I have to stay off my feet till then.
You however are not having to drag around size 37 shoes on your feet!
You've got this, Jilly (& thus, so does Dave) ... you're almost through the time off your feet.
I've read of him before...always amazed by him and his attitude and life...always sad that he died so young.
A reminder that we are all more alike than we are different...we are all different is some way or another...but we are here to help each other along this journey called life.
HUGS!!!
You are right of course ... I love your thoughts ... we really are more alike to the others with whom we come into contact, & we would all do well to remember that we need to be here for others ... to encourage & help each other. ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥
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