Ginny Padgett, who presided over the Columbia II Writers Workshop for a number of years, passed away this morning. Her generosity of spirit made the workshop an inclusive group in which we writers did our best to help one another improve our craft. In her smile, her face, and her demeanor, it was obvious that she cared about us.
When I first met Ginny, she walked with some awkwardness, but you wouldn’t think of her as being handicapped. Over time, her physical abilities declined and she had to use a walker, then a wheelchair. The problem was Friedreich’s Ataxia, which is hereditary, genetic, and untreatable.
Over the years of her decline, she rarely if ever complained or sounded a regret about her condition. Even when she had difficulty swallowing, difficulty talking, difficulty controlling a spoon to feed herself. During our visits she didn’t talk about those things. Despite her ongoing problems with coordination, she was optimistic, expecting things to get better. She faced her life of physical impairment and deterioration with incredible courage and good humor.
During the last months, it has been distressing to watch as she suffered from pain with seemingly little relief from medical care. Several weeks ago when I visited, she was excited to begin an experimental treatment. But the treatment obviously brought about no improvement.
Most victims of Friedreich’s Ataxia live to be about 30 years of age. Ginny lived twice that long and longer, and for that I’m grateful.
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