A Letter to All Orthotists…

Back in 1954, when I was only three, my orthotists worked out of a very small cottage about a mile from my childhood home. The waiting room walls were filled with framed certificates and colored drawings made my Mr. Sabold’s little clients especially for him. I remember being so proud that my pictures were on the walls. Because I was a growing child, I needed to make frequent visits to the brace shop, which was next door to a small farm that housed horses. I still remember the smell of hay and feeding apples and sugar cubes to the horses after my appointments. Each time I came for a fitting or adjustment for my brace or crutches, Mr. Sabold would sweep me up in his arms in warm embrace topped off with a kiss planted on my forehead. Most importantly, there were always my favorite red or orange Tootsie Roll® lollipops stored away (just for me) in his brown wooden desk that sat by the front window. I loved Mr. Sabold. He was my friend.