John Pilotte Gaining a talent he never knew he had
I met a gentleman by the name of John Pilotte a little over 22 years ago. Our children were the same age.
We were in YMCA Indian Guides/Princesses and the Waukegan Baseball Association together. He stood above the crowd then by taking on management responsibilities within those programs. Our families became good friends along with many other families.
On a cold Sunday in February 1997, a frantic and haunting phone call from John's then-wife told of a terrible incident.
He had been in a snowmobile accident that will leave him paralyzed from the waist down. Knowing John's love of the outdoors and competitive sports, I wondered how he would react.
After almost six months in rehab and therapy and not always being the ideal patient, John came home to deal with the realities of being in a wheelchair.
John had lived and worked in Lake County his whole life, most of it as manager of Lakeside Glass of Highland Park -- a subsidiary of Waukegan-Gurnee Glass. The owner, Angelo, knew John would want to get back to work as soon as possible. He and John adapted Lakeside so John could continue in his capacity as manager. Business was and is as good as ever.
John's competitive juices were not quite satisfied with job-related duties. His friend Bill got John interested in trap shooting.
John had never shot a shotgun when he was able to walk. Being in a wheelchair presented its own set of challenges. As always, he became a student of the game.
His rambunctious approach and leadership got a group of friends -- myself included -- to jump headlong into trap shooting. Low and behold, trap shooting is extremely competitive and requires great concentration.
John also met other wheelchair-challenged shooters. They told him about the Paralyzed Veterans of America Trap Shooting Circuit. He joined the PVA and is ranked No. 5 in the nation. He travels to events all over the country.
I often wonder if I were injured they same way. Could I traverse the hurdles John has overcome and have such an amazing attitude?
John gives meaning to the phrase "When one door closes another door opens".
Submitted by Gary Welch