WBHS grad overcame disability
VINTON-Richard Wood has overcome many challenges in his life.
As a three-year-old, Wood had a terrible accident, leaving him with Right Hemiparesis, which is a weakness on one side of the body. This has left him in leg braces, and he has limited use of his right side. The term also means that he sometimes has problems communicating.
“He courageously faces physical and cognitive challenges daily,” Jackie Wood, his mother, said. “His strengths very much overpower his weaknesses.”
2004 William Byrd High School graduate Richard Wood is now employed at Vinton's Advance Auto Parts, dusting and stocking shelves. Photo by Kristin Adams
This disability is not how his loved ones characterize him, however. His parents, Bruce and Jackie, as well as his friends, find that he brings joy into their lives.
“He always puts a smile on everybody’s face,” Blair Clinebell, Wood’s boss, said about him.
The 2004 William Byrd High School graduate is now 24 years old. In school, he was in all-inclusive classes with other students. Now he is succeeding in the real world.
While Wood had to overcome significant obstacles, he is now doing very well, working at Vinton’s Advance Auto Parts twice a week, and working for his father’s company, The Real Estate Group, every day. The work adds up to a very busy schedule, as Wood usually works a 40-hour week.
For a time, Wood worked for Roanoke County Schools, sorting mail. Approximately a year ago, he applied for a job at Advance Auto Parts, and was hired. While Wood’s main duties are stocking shelves and dusting, one of his greatest additions to the workplace is his attitude about the job.
“I like the atmosphere he brings with him,” Clinebell, the manager of Advance Auto Parts, said.
One of Richard Wood's closest friends at Advance Auto Parts is the manager, Blair Clinebell. Photo by Kristin Adams
While Wood only works at Advance Auto on Monday and Friday mornings, those hours are important.
“Those two days, we have more fun than any other day,” Clinebell said.
Wood himself also has fun at Advance Auto.
“I like to talk to the employees,” Wood said.
He has made many friends at the store, and is valued there.
He is also helpful at his father’s real estate company, where Wood is an administrative assistant: making copies and phone calls. His favorite part, however, is checking e-mail.
While Wood does not keep in touch with many of his high school friends, he does sometimes long for the good old days.
“I miss high school,” Wood said.
He especially misses his teachers, and singing in the choir. He was a choir member for seven years during middle and high school. He still keeps in touch with his former choir director.
He still sings by himself, just for fun. He also enjoys playing putt-putt golf.
His favorite pastime, however, is people. He loves meeting new people, and is always making a new friend. It is up for debate who benefits more. Friends and family would say they are the fortunate ones, to be able to call Richard a friend.
This courageous young man deserved a much better story than this one, terribly written. So sorry Richard.