One of my favorite interviews of all time took place one lovely afternoon in Arizona during Cactus League spring training. Some of you may know that the Phoenix area bursts with ballplayers and fans every year in a runup up to the regular Major League Baseball season. It’s a pretty big deal, so it was no surprise that I found myself holding a microphone while basking in the popcorn-and-hotdog-infused air, waiting for the man I was going to interview.

But first, let me mention that about two months ago I tripped in a pothole and suffered a severely broken arm, one that had to be surgically repaired and fitted with some mean-looking pins to put everything back into place.

I can’t say it hasn’t been a struggle. I really thought that when the cast came off and pins were out I’d instantly be running around like when I was 12 and fractured my wrist ice skating. I don’t recall any long, drawn-out rehab. It was just no more cast, you’re free, bada-bing bada-boom.

But, no. Two weeks after I had the cast and the pins removed, my biggest success was being able to touch my thumb to my forefinger. That was the moment I realized it would be a long time before my arm would be fully functional.

If you’ve never lost the use of an appendage, let’s just say it can be rather daunting. The idea that I needed help pulling up my pants was my first hint that things were going to be difficult. Put peanut butter on my toast? Nope. Fold the laundry? Nope. Unscrew a jar? Not a chance. So, as you can imagine, I was both feeling sorry for myself and was immensely grateful that my sweetie pie was doing all the things I couldn’t.

Still, I’m an independent sort and quickly got tired of asking for help. So, recently, when I found myself staring at my shoes, I knew something had to change. And that’s the moment I thought of that interview back in 1989.

The ballplayer in question was Jim Abbott, a pitcher who over a ten-year career played with several major league teams and was on the California Angels roster that year. I can still recall being charmed the first moment he smiled. As a woman sportscaster back in a time when we were almost as rare as unicorns, I didn’t always get a positive reaction from those I interviewed, so I was delighted when Abbott put me instantly at ease. Still, I shouldn’t have been surprised, because Abbott understood about being different. He was born without a right hand.

“As a kid I really wanted to fit in,” Abbott said on his website. “Sports became a way for me to gain acceptance. I think this fueled my desire to succeed. I truly believe that difficult times and disappointments can push us to find abilities and strengths we wouldn’t know existed without the experience of struggle.”

I considered Abbott’s words, flexed the fingers on my broken arm, and remembered watching video of him fielding. Opposing players often tried bunting against him, thinking to exploit any limitations his missing hand might cause, but he would almost magically flip his glove, grab the ball, and throw the runner out at first.

That day, in the bright Arizona sunshine, I asked Abbott how he managed day to day with just one hand. “How do you tie your shoes?” I asked.

He laughed and explained that his parents never babied him. “They would just look at me and say, ’Figure it out.’”

With that in mind, I wandered over to the Internet for a solution and here’s what I found:

One-handed shoe tying

1. Hold one shoelace down with your foot, and pull the other lace tight. Make sure the laces cross over when you do this.

2. Make a loop while still holding the lace under the other shoe.

3. Bring the loop behind and under the straight lace.

4. While holding the loop in place between your thumb and index finger, let the straight lace out from under the other shoe.

5. Use your other fingers to wrap the free lace completely around the loop.

6. Use your thumb to push the middle of the lace through this newly formed loop.

7. Holding one loop in place with your free foot, pull the other loop tight.

That’s it!

Easy peasy, right?

Um, no. I still haven’t mastered it, but with the words of Jim Abbott ringing in my head, how can I quit?

“Figure it out.”

Your Forgotten Sons

Inspired by a true story

Anne Montgomery

Bud Richardville is inducted into the Army as the United States prepares for the invasion of Europe in 1943. A chance comment has Bud assigned to a Graves Registration Company, where his unit is tasked with locating, identifying, and burying the dead. Bud ships out, leaving behind his new wife, Lorraine, a mysterious woman who has stolen his heart but whose secretive nature and shadowy past leave many unanswered questions. When Bud and his men hit the beach at Normandy, they are immediately thrust into the horrors of what working in a graves unit entails. Bud is beaten down by the gruesome demands of his job and losses in his personal life, but then he meets Eva, an optimistic soul who despite the war can see a positive future. Will Eva’s love be enough to save him?

Release Date: June 6, 2024

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