Tatum
is a smart guy. Not just kind of smart. I mean scary smart. He never
brags or alludes to it, but we all know it to be true. I won't tell
you his last name, the name of his company, or the name of his
prisoner. I will tell you Tatum lives right here in 4S Ranch. He flies
under under everyone's radar. It seems sometimes both the ultra smart
and ultra rich are stealth like. Good for them. I would like to think
if I ever fit into either category, I would do the same. I don't think I
need to worry.
Tatum
is the scientific, lab smart, type of guy. Soon after those fateful
planes with their doomed crews and passengers exploded into a fireball
of acrid jet fuel on that crystal blue morning at the World Trade Center
an
d
other locations across America, Tatum's phone rang. It was the Federal
Bureau of Investigation. They were calling him to ask for his help.
The United States Government needed the best and brightest scientists
to join the fight against terrorism. Being a patriot, Tatum didn't
hesitate. He walked out of his laboratory and into the muck and danger of Federal Law Enforcement. Tatum joined the FBI.
d
other locations across America, Tatum's phone rang. It was the Federal
Bureau of Investigation. They were calling him to ask for his help.
The United States Government needed the best and brightest scientists
to join the fight against terrorism. Being a patriot, Tatum didn't
hesitate. He walked out of his laboratory and into the muck and danger of Federal Law Enforcement. Tatum joined the FBI.
Tatum
was soon working the dangerous streets and back alleys where terrorists
and their associates are known to linger. Searching for the needle in
the haystack. Even though Tatum loved the excitement and challenges on the streets, after a few years, he realized he could help our country more by bringing his genius to a private company.
Tatum
has never told me, but I know it is a not a stretch to believe he now
likely helps some of the most elite three letter US Government Agencies
who are on watch 24/7 around this violent world. That is why when he
walked into our Community Hub last Thursday morning at 0830 hours, I
took notice. I could tell he had a goal in mind as he was not being his
normal, cheerful self. Tatum said he wanted to talk about a prisoner he
so badly wanted to help.
Tatum started out by speaking 
slowly
and methodically about how much he liked and respected the prisoner.
It soon became clear he and his prisoner had become very close friends.
Tatum explained the prisoner was facing a death sentence that would
likely be carried out within two years, a year, or maybe even sooner.
slowly
and methodically about how much he liked and respected the prisoner.
It soon became clear he and his prisoner had become very close friends.
Tatum explained the prisoner was facing a death sentence that would
likely be carried out within two years, a year, or maybe even sooner.
Tatum
said he felt like he was racing against the clock. He was hoping we may
be able to help him. His voice then trailed off. Theresa and I glanced
at each other and we both took in a deep breath. We already knew the
story Tatum was going to tell us. We had not only heard it before, but
experienced it ourselves, only a few years ago. I listened to Theresa
breathing softly as Tatum continued speaking.
Tatum
then told us about the prisoner, "We were at lunch at a restaurant near
Qualcomm in Mira Mesa. I knew over the last few weeks he was getting
increasingly clumsy and had difficulty moving. He took a couple bites of
food and tried to lift the glass of water to his lips. He kept
struggling. His frustration was obvious. As hard as he tried he
couldn't do it. I then reached over and lifted the glass of water to his
lips so he could take a drink. It was the first time I ever helped to
feed him. It was also when he told me he had been diagnosed with ALS".
Tatum
then explained with tenderness how his dear friend had become a
prisoner in his own body. The sensory doors we all hold so precious,
were being closed so quickly that in eighteen short months he could no
longer walk, talk, and can only breath with mechanical assistance. At
only 43 years old, the young, and amazing artist with his caring wife by
his side, can only move his eyes and a single big toe.
Tatum
said he was working diligently on an invention he concocted which would
allow his friend to communicate with his family and maybe someday allow
him to paint again by using a variety of computer devices which are
controlled exclusively by the movements of only his friend's eyes. Eyes
that are as bright and alert as when he was born. I told you at the
beginning of this story, Tatum was a smart guy.
 |
| Tatum's Invention |
Tatum
then asked if our 501C3 non-profit, Helen's Closet Organization could
help by allowing tax deductible donations to be used to purchase the
equipment to help his friend as well as countless other victims that
want to say a few words to their moms, dads, brothers and sisters, or
even their children, before the final prison door closes and locks.
Only then will they be really free from the ravages of ALS. I heard
Theresa take another soft breath as she said, "Yes, of course Tatum,
whatever we can do to help".
As
Tatum closed his briefcase and began to leave our Community Hub, I
reminded him he could patent the processes he was developing since there
is such a huge demand for the technology. Tatum replied, "I'll put in
the public domain. It's not about the money. It's just about helping a
friend". Tatum was answering yet another call for help. Where do people
like Tatum come from? I really don't know. I just find him and other
people like him, truly amazing.
If
you want to help Tatum, his friend, and other ALS patients, please join
us on Thanksgiving morning for a 5K, 10K, and 1K Kid's Run in 4S Ranch.
All proceeds will be split between Helenscloset.org and 4SRanchdelsurfoundation.org.
Tatum will also ask his friend if we can reproduce one of his
incredible paintings as a lithograph and present it for all of you to
see at the walk/run. Trust me, you will be blown away by what an
imaginative and incredible artist he really is. To sign up for the Thank
You Run/Walk, click here.
Enjoy your week!
Ray & Theresa Shay
Copyright 2012 All Rights Reserved. No duplication of this material without written consent of Shay Realtors.
