Paying it Forward: Fear Freezes #111
Chase the monster away - others need your help and can help you as needed. Every success story with, "I'm not making this up," includes a monster threatening failure. The sun comes up tomorrow. Do.
Jack Browne, April 13, 2025 Times Record News
Remember the monster under your bed? After your parents checked to make sure nothing was there, you knew they didn’t see it. Frozen with fear, finally you fell asleep.
No matter how bad your fears, get up and do the right next thing. Compared to so many other people, our “monster” doesn’t exist.
“I’ll see you soon.” I’m on my toes around my nephew and best friend to be sensitive to their personal loses of sight.
Mikey, my blind nephew, is getting a fitting for smart glasses that see. They recognize and speak to tell him about nearby objects, “The armchair is 3 feet ahead; a blanket is on the left arm and a coat is draped over the back.”
They can read menu’s and even help him find an outlet.
David, my best friend, looks forward to starting the rehabilitation that will redevelop sight in his left eye. The removed tumor had compressed the optic nerve causing loss of sight. He has some limited peripheral vision at the far left, say standing to the left of your ear and body.
Recently David and his grandson Jacob played games with virtual reality (VR) Headsets. David was excited as he had some depth perception in action games using the light-controlled VR screen. Both David and his doctor are encouraged.
Imagine the excitement David and Mikey each feel with such improvement within reach. It’s game changing and cause for optimism and excitement certainly.
What can a one person, or a few do? Over the last four years a group of people came together. A cross section of homeowners, business owners, residents, city staff and councilors formed the Central Wichita Falls Revitalization committee.
Together all share a vision of revitalization for this neighborhood, bounded by 287 to the east, Seymour Highway to the north, Kemp Blvd to the west and Kell freeway to the south. 6,746 people live here in 2,378 single-family homes and 45 multi-family properties.
Bridwell Park became a first visible area of change with two new basketball and futsal courts celebrated last November. March 30 at Bridwell Park, the Committee and city staff unveiled recommendations to the community in advance of submission to the city council.
These recommendations improve the opportunity for neighborhood investments and property improvements. What a beautiful Sunday afternoon in the “Heart of the Falls.”
Each of us can be the spark that changes someone else’s trajectory.
For a while, a day or a lifetime – there is room at both sides of the table. Give and get. Sometimes you chase their monster away, sometimes you need help.
Jack Browne is a community activist and past technology engineer, sales and marketing executive at Motorola, MIPS Technologies and other companies. How are the children doing?