Robert Emmett

I was born in 1943 in Rochester, NY but the beginning of my life was in July 1952 when I most likely contracted the polio virus. It invaded my body and destroyed many of the nerves which controlled the muscles for about 70 percent of my legs architecture.

Laying in a bed in a polio ward in August 1952 one night, I sensed something was wrong. My legs did not work well and walking was not even possible. I first met my new companion that night--Mr. Normal. Since I didn't have a clue to what to do he goaded me to get out of bed...I fell onto the floor and could not get up. The nurse was not very happy with me...I have not forgotten that night. Mr. Normal has stayed with ever since...always pushing me to be like him--simply normal.

My first instinct was to get out of this cold ward and its room of torture (physical therapy). Not having much of a rational thought process at the time I figured once I got home all this would go away.

Of course, it did not go away...the only thing that remained the same was the delicious corned beef sandwiches my mother would make whenever I wanted one. This memoir follows my journey from the summer in 1952 to my age now of 71 in 2014. In that journey I had wonderful support group of family and friends led by my mother, the family matriarch. This group showed me the way to high academic and physical goals. I obtained steely determination from my mother, striving for the highest academic goals and the beauty of logical reasoning from my surrogate father Thad, the power of a charismatic personality from my dad and the need to have a sense of purpose from my uncle Carl. I myself learned to be insightful in examining the needs of others.

I was so anxiety-ridden after I retired in 2001 from my job as a research director of a chemicals/minerals company that I went to see a psychiatrist. The most helpful comment she made was in the form of a question--"Why do you think you would change because you are retired." So I knew being idle was not the answer.

My son is 44 and my grandchildren are 11 and 13. I knew very little about my grandparents. I came within a day of dying in 2011 due to a staph infection...thus the impetus to write the memoir. I chose to center the memoir on my having contracted polio in 1952 and now post-polio syndrome and their effect on my life.

Walk with me and my wife Jane, yes walk, on this journey. You will find challenge, recovery and triumph and finally peace. I promise you will enjoy our walk together.