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 October 6, 2001 |
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Remembering a Friend
Ed Beyea and I met in 1984 and have remained friends ever since. It would take a book to adequately tell his story. Challenge certainly was no stranger, but he faced each one with courage and confidence. 
As a result of a diving accident, Ed became a quadriplegic and was confined to a motorized wheelchair. After being discharged from Goldwater Memorial Hospital, he wasted no time in pursuing a career in computer programming. He graduated in 1987 and went to work for Empire Blue Cross/Blue Shield. In the years that followed, he dealt with numerous physical setbacks and underwent several operations, but always bounced back with an enthusiastic determination to go on with his life. Early each morning, rain or shine, he would join thousands of other New Yorkers who ride the subway to work until he arrived at the World Trade Center. He once told me, "Every day's an adventure; you never know what you're going to find." Ed made many friends, who loved and respected him. He had a disarming manner about him that enabled him to make people forget that he was disabled and speak to him as an equal. He was admired by all who knew him and an inspiration to other physically-challenged individuals because he proved that where there's a will, there's a way. Over the years, Ed and I spent many memorable hours together listening to music and watching movies that we both enjoyed. He had a great sense of humor and could find humor in almost everything. I can't recall any conversation between us that didn't contain the phrase, "Did I tell you the one about..." One thing that Ed enjoyed very much was sitting down by the water on the Manhattan side of the Island. He loved the view of the river and the New York skyline, which ironically included the Twin Towers in the distance. Now, whenever I pass that way, I am deeply saddened. The Towers are gone, and so is my friend Ed.
Courage... and a Will to Survive
Most people who did not know Ed may have thought that he spent an unproductive life. And although he spent most of his waking hours on a chin-controlled electric wheelchair, he did have a considerably productive life. Those who knew him will remember him as someone who faced life and dealt with its challenges head-on. Ed and I fell in love. My twelve years with him were filled with innumerable memories. I know how much he cared for his family, especially his nephews, Shawn and Chad, who enjoyed his sense of humor. Ed did not express it much, but I know that he had a very special place in his heart for Irma Fuller, his day nurse of almost 15 years. In losing Ed, Irma has lost a son, too. With his intelligence, courage, perseverance and patience, Ed completed a course in computers sponsored by the Cerebral Palsy Foundation. The Foundation also helped him land a job with Empire Blue Cross/Blue Shield. He rose through the ranks during the 14 years he worked there. He was a Chief Computer Analyst when the tragedy happened. He became a member of the Goldwater Memorial Hospital Community Advisory Board, which addressed patient concerns. My memories of him will stay with me for a long time. The inspiration that his courage and will to survive, and his dignity, will hopefully transcend this tragedy.
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At age 22, Edward Beyea became a quadriplegic. He was a
resident of the Goldwater Memorial Hospital when I first met
him. I had been working there as an RN for over a
year.