Phil's story brings back a similar memory of Dr. Charles Melton, K5ZFM, my 
great teacher, blind role model, and friend from 1962 until his passing in 
2005.

When I first became active on the 75 meter Mississippi frequency, more than 
one other operator told me the story about Doc, who was also blind, working 
on his tower at night after a neighbor called the police to him when she saw 
him sitting on top of it one afternoon.

Years later, I asked him if that story was true.

"Yes," he said. "You wouldn't believe how hysterical she became. I knew that 
if I didn't come down, she would certainly have a hart attack. So, I quietly 
climbed down the tower, and was sitting in my livingroom reading my lesson 
plan for the next day when I heard the policeman talking to her.

"That night at about 10:30, after my wife told me all the lights were off at 
her house, I went up the tower again, and took care of my business."

I told him that was just one example of why growing up in his shadow as a 
blind kid was so durn tough! Then, we both had a good laugh.






Mike Duke, K5XU
American Council of Blind Radio Amateurs