Benjamin L.

When I was first introduced to the internet I was learning how to work it on a text based, 8088 computer system with a green, monocrome screen that was generously given to us by my brother in-law, Derwin. It was thought that it would provide good outside contact after having been house bound from post surgical recovery.

Through the Aztec free net service from A.S.U. in Tempe, Az. I began to learn my way around the internet and Aztec's message boards. There I met Jeanne B. and her husband. Jeanne was a writer and a great friend who encouraged me to delve into e-mail. And it was through the e-mail that she introduced me to Benjamin, a Navajo friend from Window Rock, Az.

Meeting Benjamin at Jeanne's Christmas party was a real delight. Not only was I honored that Benjamin was willing to share stories from the Navajo culture, but he was happy to be an e-mail friend as well!

Benjamin was and is an admirable person. His perception of his blindness was to call it an "inconvenience" as opposed to addressing it as a disability. He did and still does all the things that he had to do and wanted to do without excuse.

On my first week's vacation to the reservation I was amazed to watch him as he moved about with confidence. I watched as he carefully put his fingers under the burner to feel the flame from the gas and determine the heat level or its being turned on. I helped with sheep shearing, hauling water and much more, but nothing was more curious than watching Benjamin climb all the way to the top of a windmill that moved the well! It was certainly a feat most youngsters would have never considered. Yet, here was a man with limitations defying their boundries with success!

Benjamin worked for the computer tech. center in Window Rock. From there he often corresponded with me by e-mail. To know this man is both an honor and a priviledge.