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By DON HUNT

I lost three good friends recently who shared a common problem; none of them could walk.

One of these men, Floyd Smith, was my cattle buyer. He lost the use of his legs in an airplane accident several years ago, but learned to live with his handicap and traveled everywhere alone as he bravely tried to live a normal life.

Another man, Dean Bradbuny, my accountant, was crippled due to an unfortunate accident when he was a child. But with his mother's encouragement, he learned to quilt the most beautiful quilts and crochet fine lace. He went on to earn his degree in accounting and become a CPA and he served the City of Winfield, Cowley County and many other organizations throughout his life.

And then there was Albert "Sonny" Beach. Born without legs and with only good arm, Sonny grew up on a farm next to ours. He never ceased to amaze us with his determination to do the impossible on a regular basis. He could pick your pocket with his backhoe, drive a ten-foot wide rake through a nine-foot gate, and could climb a ladder quicker than a cat.

Now that they have all gone to be with the "Great Healer" in Heaven, at last their bodies are whole. They have fought the "good fight" and are ready to run the "good race." I can see them now as they jog up to the starting line. But wait- there is a fourth person who want to join them...it's not a bird, it's not a plane, it's SUPERMAN, who admired them and their incredible lives.

All three were SUPER MEN.

Remember these three men and how they were able to handle their handicaps and were so inspiring to all who knew them. Perhaps the struggles in your life will seem less important and their stories will inspire you as they have me.

This is one of the entries in the Traveler's visionary writing contest.