After his
injury in an automobile accident in 1990, Greg
turned to managing several computer-based
businesses. With his many talents and newly learned
computer skills, and as a volunteer, he assisted
other people with disabilities through his
involvement with the Access Center for Independent
Living, and on his own.
Greg worked
diligently as an advocate for the disabled. He was
successful, not only locally, but at the regional
and state levels as well. Through his continued and
untiring effort, programs advancing equal rights for
Georgia’s disabled were implemented. At the time of
his death, Greg was involved in coordinating an
effort to implement and fund a Medicaid Buy-In
program for Georgia’s disabled.
From early
1997 and to the time of his death in 2002, Greg
served as Webmaster for Nimblewill Nomad.
On this site he documented Nomad’s many
adventures, for all to read. By posting Nomad’s
journal entries, folks were able to follow along
day-to-day, all across North America, from the
Ten Million Steps trek of 1998, through the
transcontinental odyssey of 2002.
Greg's last written words to
the Nomad: "Thanks, Nimblewill Nomad,
for sharing your experiences in such a way that
you've managed to carry this broken, motionless body
along on your amazing adventures."
Left -
Greg on the Appalachian Trail, backpack on,
looking down the Dahlonega Valley from Woody
Gap
Right - The Nomad with Justin Pressley,
friend to Greg, and former webmaster
|
|
|
|
I have a friend who has been dealt,
A monumental blow.
For he’s not free like you and me,
He can’t get up and go.
‘twas on a dark and fateful morn,
He most near met his maker.
They pried him from that gruesome scene,
To greet the undertaker.
But God was not through with him…
His days here on this earth.
And though he’ll never walk again,
My friend has found true worth.
His life he lives full measure,
As good as it can get.
There’s not a trace of lingering doubt,
Self pity…or regret.
You’d think that he’d be bitter with
His quadriplegic life.
But like no man I’ve ever met,
He’s learned to deal with strife.
His is a faith that’s firm and strong,
A glow from deep within.
His countenance from ear-to-ear…
That old familiar grin!
So when the shuffle’s dealt to me,
A little out of whack.
I think of this courageous man,
To put me back on track.
Oh, what true inspiration!
A blessing he’s my friend.
For though his life was over…
He lives his life again.
N. Nomad
*My dear friend, Greg Smith. |
|