BRATTLEBORO — We relish the early signs of spring in this area - robins and crocuses, to name a few. One indicator for myself, and a number of others, was José Cordero in his motored cart, sitting in front of the Samuel Elliott Apartments in downtown Brattleboro.
He would greet you with a smile, and depending on the day would engage you in sunny conversation or take an opportunity to just get things off his chest. Either way, he was always entertaining.
In the late 1970s and early 1980s, you could view José leaning out of his apartment window observing the pulse of Main Street. He also worked at Walkers Restaurant, and during his break you could find him out front leaning against the building taking in the moment, always in his starched white apron. He eventually moved into the S.E. Apartments and again he was often in view on his upper-floor balcony enjoying the view.
As time went on, José's muscular dystrophy progressed, and for safety code reasons was moved to the ground level, toward the back of the apartment complex. This is when during the warmer months he became a marvelous Elliot Street fixture, sitting out front enjoying the sun and visiting.
He was gregarious, often using wry humor, with sometimes cantankerously bold expression. He did, however, at times lift his metaphorical veil and allow his thoughtful often touchingly intuitive side to reveal itself.
Years ago when he lived on Main Street, I came by to visit, and to my surprise and delight he shared his high-school yearbook. Viewing his senior photos for the first time, I really came to realize the full impact of his muscular dystrophy.
I always found his face handsome, but upon seeing José as a young teenager, I saw that he not only possessed an athlete's body but also held himself with the amazing stature of a Greek God. Describing him as “stunning” was an understatement!
I exclaimed in awe what an incredible specimen he was and acknowledged what a major adjustment he must have had to go through during his illness.
In one of those special times he lifted his veil of protection, and with humility, and the dignity of a king. He elegantly expressed his choice to live his life, regardless, with the fortitude, and passion he so innately possessed.
Toward the end of this last winter, he kept coming to my mind, and it occurred to me more that once to drop by his place. Inaccurately, I concluded that the warmer days would soon be here again, and as with tradition I would find him at his spot on 117 Elliot St. holding court and doing so, as usual, with dignity and passion intact!
My special thanks and gratitude to all Joseph's caregivers and friends who attended to him in recent years. I especially want to acknowledge both Kate Theriault and Karen Cribari, who were able to see him to the other side.
Thank you, Joseph, for being you, and for being a friend to myself and many others. May you rest in peace!