[Ohio-talk] My Tribute to Paul Dressell

[Sheri Albers]

Thank you so much. It was beautiful

Best Regards,
Sheri Albers
513-886-8697
Sheri.albers87 at gmail.com

> On Apr 24, 2019, at 4:13 PM, Smith, JW via Ohio-Talk <ohio-talk at nfbnet.org> wrote:
> 
> Dear NFB of Ohio Family, Friends, and Colleagues,
> 
> I am attaching to this email a copy of a song entitled "Hard To Say Goodbye"! I hope that the words and my singing of them will capture some of our thoughts and sentiments about our dear friend and brother Paul Dressell. If a picture is worth a thousand words then a song should be worth at least 500 right?
> 
> I first met Paul in September of 1993 when I attended my first NFB of Ohio affiliate board meeting. I had only been in the state a little over a month, but I was welcomed graciously by the members of the NFB of Ohio which included Paul Dressell. I remember that the board was discussing the possibility of creating a new position entitled, "Field Representative". I can still remember some of the input to the conversation by Paul and I remember how his comments were taken by the audience. As you know, Paul did not talk a lot just for the sake of talking, but when he spoke we listened and he communicated his thoughts effectively, graciously, and persuasively. I remember the first time since that 1993 board meeting that Paul was not at the table because he had decided to step down from the board. I was president at the time and I remember commenting publically, "Paul, I don't think I can get used to not having you up here with us!". Paul loved sports and could talk about it for hours and he really "knew his stuff" especially as it relates to football and baseball. I enjoyed attending Washington seminars with Paul and watching how excited he got when he ate his peanut butter pie. I remember his last trip to Washington and his willingness and ability to serve the affiliate in whatever needed capacity. One year at the seminar, some of us young  fellas stayed up late into the night playing cards, laughing far too loudly, and with his usual grace, Paul just took it all in stride! I so appreciated that Paul never took himself or anyone else too seriously and although he had the right answers most of the time, he never belittled or embarrassed or chose to put anyone down just to show how smart he was. In fact, I dare say Paul was brilliant. You could ask him what day of the week was April 10th, 1942 and he could tell you in five seconds or less.
> 
> I love you my brother and friend, and you will be missed.  In addition to the song I have attached here, please read the words of this poem that I hope captures a lot of what we are all feeling now.
> 
> Time Is Meant To Heal (c) Kim Thompson
> 
> Although unheard, I thank you
> For always being there.
> Even when you were bedridden,
> You always seemed to care.
> 
> You meant so much to all of us;
> You were special and that's no lie.
> You brightened up the darkest day
> And even the greyest sky.
> 
> Many tears I have seen and cried.
> They have all poured out like rain.
> I know that you are happy now
> 'Cause you're no longer in pain.
> 
> Four years on, I remember you
> And what you used to say.
> You made each of us smile
> And live to the fullest each day.
> 
> They say in time it gets easier.
> I believe this isn't true
> Because even after all this time,
> I still don't have a clue.
> 
> I was not ready to say goodbye.
> Your disease just over took,
> So on this day we remember you.
> I take a second look.
> 
> Our friendship is forever.
> Until death, did we part.
> Although you're away physically,
> You're always in my heart.
> 
> 
> jw
> 
> 
> <Hard To Say Goodbye.mp3>
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