by Ted Mills, Consulting Rosarian
Logos and mottos have always fascinated me. It dates back to my banking days when I was faced with supplying a slogan for my bank's advertising program. Of all the competing banks whose motto I reviewed, none struck me with more interest than that of a Carolina bank. The brevity of the motto appealed to me because therein lay the secret to success, whether it be in business or in everyday life. The motto: "CAN DO". My, what a powerful message in two short words.
In all walks of life obstacles appear in our path. Some are minor and others present formidable opposition. To the champion, difficult situations offer only a challenge. I had this brought home to me recently in the life stories of two very capable rosarians. It merits publication so that others may profit from such performance.
Every person who plants a rose bush hopes for "blue ribbon" blooms. This is not always the case and often reaps discouragement. The oft heard remark: "too much work - can't do" sounds loud and clear. Not so with our two rosarian heroes. They faced the challenge of growing award-winning roses with an enthusiasm needed by all. Their "can do" attitude spurred them to high achievement.
Our courageous twosome is well known throughout the American Rose Society. They are John Slusher of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, and Ron Shaw of Fremont, Nebraska. Although they live miles apart, these two gentlemen are well aquainted with one another. Their hobby of growing roses has drawn them together in lasting friendship. Both are physically handicapped but exhibit a degree of courage and performance you would envy.
Let's meet them up close. John is retired and spends a great deal of his time in rose activity. He and his loyal wife, Peg, make a great team. He is the "grower" and she the "shower". They are both Consulting Rosarians and Accredited Rose Show Judges. John is currently President of his local rose society, an office he has held for the past nine years. They grow over 200 roses bushes, both large and miniature varieties. In addition, they lend their expertise to the Cedar Rapids public rose garden.
The other gentleman in the twosome is Ron Shaw, an expert rosarian whose exhibiting skill is well known. Many awards have been presented to Ron as he continues to perform well at the show table. Like his friend, John Slusher, Ron enjoys the expert help of his lovely wife, Dorothy. Encouraged by her ever-present advice, soon Ron's chosen hobby spawned another area of achievement - photography. Growing such beautiful creations, Ron decided that his well-groomed roses deserved to be pictured for future enjoyment and record. He became so skilled that the American Rose Society bestowed honor on him for his creative work. All of this because he had a will to achieve.
What sets this interesting team of rosarians apart is the fact they labor under physical handicap. Both men have a severe mobility problem and must use mechanical devices, such as mobile carts and wheelchairs, to get around in their rose gardens. In spite of this hardship, they both have used the handicap as a stepping stone to improved quality of life. Their performances should serve as an inspiration to all who attempt to grow roses. Never should there be a word uttered that says "it's too difficult." Rather so, everyone should echo this brave couple's apparent motto which shouts in a loud voice -- "CAN DO."