More Thanks to the Knights Templar Eye Foundation! On June 19, 1997, I was diagnosed with a retinal detachment in both eyes with more severity in the left. It either eye were left untreated, I would eventually become blind. With no other alternatives and subsequently no one to turn to, I had a decision to make, and it had to be made quickly. In a world where everyone and every situation is different, one is unsure of who to trust and who not to trust, but at that point in time, I had no choice but to become a believer once again. I literally became obsessed with fear about the outcome of my surgery until a wise friend told me that if I did not make it I would not know it. Once reality set in and I realized it was a true statement, I was faced with the dilemma of not having any insurance. Because of this, I was informed by a medical individual that I would not be admitted into the hospital She, however, with her sarcastic remarks, led me on a journey for which I will be grateful the rest of my life, because I met two individuals who helped make the difference with my vision. The first step of my journey was Dee McBride, an eye counselor for the Vocational Rehabilitation Center in Montgomery. After a lengthy conversation with Dee McBride, I learned that I was not technically a qualified candidate for their government program, because I was not at that moment considered to be disabled. However, she informed
me that if I did not receive the surgery soon, I would definitely become legally blind, so she referred me to Mr. Clemons with the Knights Templar Eye Foundation, Inc. Mr. Robert Clemons, the next and final step in my journey, taught me a lot about kindness from the heart. When I arrived at his office, I soon discovered the man whose voice was intimidating to me would turn out to be an eye saver. From the time I walked through his door he had every opportunity to turn me away. He didn't turn me away, he didn't give me any excuses to make me leave, and he didn't tell me to call him back at a later date; he just pulled out his pen and proceeded to do what any concerned individual would do. He didn't ask me any out of the way questions, only the questions that were asked on the application. He did, however, ask me if I had ever heard of the Knights Templar, and my reply was "no." He chuckled and said, "You've heard of us nowl" In a matter of minutes, he had me approved for funding. All that was left was gathering the necessary paper work to complete the process. Mr. Clemons was truly an answer to my prayers. In closing, Mr. Clemons will always have my gratitude. I must say your organization, as well as the people involved in my surgery, are truly a blessing. I can never say "thank you" enough.
P.S.: I have learned from my experience that life itself is a parallel to Mr. Clemons' fascination for trains. The Engine (Leader) has the power to pull the weight of the Trailer (Follower) around the track Sometimes the Engine may want to travel alone, but there is always a Trailer that it can pull. Always remember: There is a Conductor (God) who controls the Engine (Leader) who can pull the Trailer (Follower).
Mr. Clemons' Train THE ENGINE, THE LEADER, ONE WHO CAN PULL THE WEIGHT. THE TRAILER, THE FOLLOWER, ONE WHO CARRIES THE FREIGHT. MOST IMPORTANT THE CONDUCTOR, WHO IS THE OVERSEER OF IT ALL IS GOD WHO CONTROLS THE LEADER, TO HELP THE FOLLOWER FROM THE CRAWL Denise M. Jones 2601 Whispering Pine Drive Montgomery, Alabama 36116
October 1997
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