"Defending (advocating) the VIP!'s Human Spirit...
... a TERRIBLE thing to "CRUSH (Amputate)"!
The movie "A Scent of a Woman" ™ is a satire, with analogies to our VIP! Mission!
NBC Universal's now classic movie ('92), "Scent of a Woman", has Al Pacino playing Srgt. Slade, delivering his now classic/epic speech at the end - after deciding not to take his own life. He found purpose in living - in caring for Charlie (Chris O'Donnell).
Its a confirmation of the FACT that a "human spirit" CAN be "crushed", in the case of VIP!s, rather easily by "healthy" folks without disability - AND the FACT that there is ttremendous VALUE for the rest of us for helping those in need - a Value of the highest order (#1) of this Organization. Each person's life is precious, no matter who it is, the GIVER or the RECIPIENT. As was DECLARED in our INDEPENDENCE in 1787, aHAND4 ® Life! we finds that it is "self-evident" that VIP!s have serious needs due to their disability due to development, in body, thereby ever tugging on the mind, and financially simply to live in a "modern society". As well, that it is more heart-warming and beneficial to all of us, our inner soul, to GIVE than to receive.
You Tube clip of "Amputated Spirit..."Al Pacino, in "Scent of a Woman"
Or better, to the fuller audio clip, thru the 1:56 minute mark! Or better yet, thru 4:03 - you will understand what we're about!For those who didnt see the movie, a further "interpretation" ... !
Charlie was simply a young man he hired for a day to "help an old, decommissioned soldier live-it-up for a day". Unbenounced to him, Sgt. Slade planned it to be his last day alive. Charlie also had his own problems - wrongfully accused of malfeasance at a distinguished (yet stuffy) University, facing an expulsion hearing without an advocate ("defense attorney"). Sgt. Slade, with renewed vigor and care for life, after Charlie saved it, decides he has purpose in coming to Charlie's defense. Sgt Slade shows up at the hearing, and Slade (Pacino) delivers one of movie's greatest monologues - coincidentally mirroring the salient message of aHAND4 ® Life! It's at the core of our Beginnings, Vision and Mission.
"...I'm too old; I'm too tired; I'm too &$*R@# blind. ..... Who ....you think you're talkin' to? I've been around, you know? There was a time I could see. And I have seen boys like these, younger than these, their arms torn out, their legs ripped off. But there isn't nothin' like the sight of an "amputated spirit"; there is no prosthetic for that. You think you're merely sendin' this splendid foot-soldier back home to Oregon with his tail between his legs, but I say you are executin' his SOUL!! And why?! Because he's not ... ya hurt this boy ..."
Sgt Slade is symbolic of aHAND4 ® Life!. Ironically he is blind in both eyes himself and struggled with his purpose in life. We see clearly our Vision and Mission (above), and we as an Organization have never waivered in our purpose, from the penning of our comprehensive Articles of Incorporation.
An aside ... Helen Keller would have qualified for aH4L! Services!!
As a side note, blindness, whether from birth or later in life due to Accidental Injury is terrible - a chronic, significant physical disability - often accompanied by another concomittant disease - sometimes decreased cognitive aptitude. Presumably Sgt Slade was living capably and responsibly before and immediately after the injury (the onset of his disability due to accident). Even Sgt. Slade succumbed to the terrible, crushing weight that such a disability can bring to one's psyche and emotion. But after reaching a "crossroad in his life", he indicated in his speech that the good path was actually known to him all along, he didnt take because it was "just too hard". He "processed the vision", and "to see" how to be a positive influence in other's life.
Though our Resources dont yet permit us to assist those who are chronically and significantly physically disabled due to ACCIDENT, we would have been here to help one as Helen Keller. Thru her own strength, but with able-bodied "Support" and love surrounding her, she aspired, and live a productive, full life, with liberty, and in pursuit of her own "happiness".
Our Mantra for "defense" ... to "advocate" ... for VIP!s!
In his speech, Slade (Pacino) delivers with clear speech, a mantra of aHAND4 ® Life! - that we are here in part to come in defense of those who are being opressed because of their significant physicaly disability. We are "Defending Human Spirits ... a TERRIBLE (and we could add - "easy thing for the World") to Crush!"
We are no less passionate in our work to defend the innocent. We are advocates for people who are wonderful, but disadvantaged. We work diligently behind the scenes to help lift them up - to promote their interests, and "defend their spirits". aHAND4 ® Life! is an advocate for them, when their voice cannot be heard! Most in the world are oblivious to the plight of VIP!'s (PCSPDD). They are moving along on their merry way. Therefore we applaud those who like Sgt. Slade, and aHAND4 ® Life! develop a "revelation", which we think is "enlightened", and we believe, critical to a growing, effective and successful Society. We thank NBC Universal for investing and promoting this message, and to Mr. Pacino, Mr. O'Donnell, and all the Cast for their excellent work! The message is now "visualized" on the big screen, for all time for all to see and hear.
FYI - Full text of other of Film's "best speeches and great Monologues" including the above.