Sadly, most persons with disabilities are separated from the mainstream. Pain, behaviors, physical disfigurements, cognitive lapses, and the necessity of assistive equipment are all possible consequences of disabilities are usually present. Additionally, a general sense of disgust, fear, and ignorance force us to live lives in exclusion. Most often, we live in residential facilities where little happens of which to speak. Additionally, as 80% of us live in poverty, there is additional sense of separation and it is difficult to feel as if we "belong." As I am one of the 62 million Americans with a disability, I understand the emotions that stem from my unique condition and only sometimes feel that welcome or comfortable.
Comfort often leads to conversation and there is never a lack of matters I could discuss; I attended a prestigious college, got my masters degree, have siblings on both coasts (and states in between) who have travel frequently and have busy, interesting lives. Also, I have a brother who has been a quarterback in the NFL for ten years and this tends to intrique 95% of those who I meet. Most importantly, I have a disability which tends to be at the center of some sad and ludicrous incidents. Hence, one would think that I had many stories to tell and liked to talk. Basically, that ended at about eleven a.m. on March 22, 1992.
A junior at Wellesley College in Massachusetts, I was on an exchange with the University of Iowa for spring break. Driving to town one morning, I slid on some black ice, lost control of my car on a bridge, and was in a coma for a month. It was tragic and has resulted in an entirely new perspective and lifestyle. As I understand how my obviously different appearance elicits questions, I am usually comfortable, calm, and patient when responding, but that does not mean that I will ever enjoy educating others on what is my greatest source of pain. No one asks me questions at Rolyworld.
As most of those in attendance are friends of my family, chances are that they know the basic issues. Others are usually distracted by stories, updates, food preparation, or one of the many activities which consistently take place to pry or even to innocently ask. Since my wreck happened almost twenty years ago and has made me patient but bored with being beleagured, this silence is quite necessary, cherished and adds to my enjoyment of this place which has been given the name Rolyworld.
Since it is divided by a stream filled with fish, Rolyworld may have been purchased for easy access for this endeavor in 1986 and is located off of a gravel road that runs between the towns of Bellevue and LaMotte. The land is about nine miles from the Mississippi River. Named in tribute to its owners, Steve and Peggy Roling, Rolyworld has become something of a legendary plot of land, as they have graciously welcomed hundred of souls to share in the beauty, fun, and community that Roly has to offer. Immediately following purchase, Steve created four or five ponds that run in succession along the north side of the property, where most of the activities take place. Steve acquired two diving boards and a slide when the local municipal pool bought new ones. His granchildren and many neighboring youngsters are driven out to escape the heat. Truckloads of sand were brought in to create a beach for these guys and several fields have been cleared and flattened to play an assortment of sports.
Several years have passed since inception and the main location to congregate has changed. In the beginning, folks just camped along the creek that runs beside the property in tents or campers. Eventually, a cabin was built which houses many of the winter get-togethers. Currently, the main hangout is an area which lies between the principal pond and the cold waters of the stream...mindful of the the children and for the peace of mind of their parents. Steve is a logger, at one time, he would bring tree tops in and pile them high with his logging truck. When weekend nights came and many people were present, he would light a massive bonfire which would burn for hours. People sat around, talked, and imbibed in a few spirits. As a conscientious logger, Steve has planted several hardwood trees and these provide shade and help Roly to have the atmosphere of being at a resort. As we live in an area where money is scarce and few can afford to take time off and fly the family to the Bahamas, a weekend at Roly provides a easy remedy.
As it is a focus of visitors at Roly, the topic food needs further emphasis. My mother is one of the leading cooks in terms of both quality and quantity so I feel a complete sense of comfort and gratitude when it comes to giving it righteous applause and eating as much of whatever I am served. Remember all of the regulars are Midwesterners and to suggest that we focus on or have a penchant for tasty cuisine is something of an understatement. Nearly all of the women and several of the men are fantastic chefs; most of whom have their own gardens. Roly lies on fertile land , so the vegetables which are prepared and brought are grown a few yard from the makeshift kitchen. Additionally, there are always amazing meat dishes…most of them cooked in a Green Egg, a ceramic smoker where ribs, crown meats, chicken, tenderloin, hot dogs, burgers, and brats. As a vegetarian, I need to attest to the fact that the cooks face this hurdle with ease and humor. As a vegetarian, I will attest to the fact that while most of the main casseroles and trays contain meat, enough meatless offerings are available to mark this as an event attended by a conscious-crowd, aware that their individual needs may not be everyone’s standards. No one should ever leave Rolyworld hungry.
Steve’s intentions for creating Rolyworld are debatable. Was he just trying to make a buck and gather trees or was he simply trying to create an acre of outdoor-relaxation for his friends? According to Steve, the first thought is true, so then the coincidence that most of the Roling’ friends are mainly free-spirits with good intentions and senses of responsibility for the land is perfect. As we live in a state where money is rather scarce and the little that people have is rarely spent on amusement…especially on destinations for entertainment, the actual construction for this land leaves a few questions. As a day at Rolyworld provides a complete escape (most cell phones and radios don’t even get service!) similar to a tropical island, this land is quite cherished and not everyone is granted admission. I have witnessed the exclusionary-process on a few occasions and felt proud of my parents and their friends for wanting to uphold a measure of peace and decorum. As Peg, Steve, and their friends are somewhat loose, happy, and friendly, apparently some folks were under the impression that peace and civility were absent. Steve’s wife, Peggy, helps him to be fairly certain of the names, destinations, and possible-impairments of visitors. At present, I am unaware that a single tragedy has taken place at Rolyworld and as it has been the sight for occasions such as family reunions and weddings, I feel fairly confident in the peace and tranquility found there.
These types of formal festivities are rare and often each weekend results in at least one large informal gathering and for these events, most families bring a large dish or dishes to pass-around. However diverse the sites of origination, most guests to Rolyworld come from the neighboring countryside and small town. As this is Iowa, most people and customs are traditional and are fairly close-minded. However, as stated, my parents and their friends have adopted fairness and an anti-establishment-sense. As my mother and a few other guests used to be lay-midwives, they helped the other mothers give birth at home. Thus, most of the children can point to my mother as being a fundamental witness to their arrival into our world. As her child, it is hard to describe the intense and constant positive feelings that gives me.
As Rolyworld is located in a rural state and lies between some small towns, the guests are primarily residents of those towns, although the usual visitors like to show-off their small, fun-filled, “utopia” to guests. Plus, although people often move away, they usually pay Rolyworld a visit when back. Thus, Roly has hosted guests from Africa, the Pacific Islands and many states in the nation. It is not uncommon to hear different languages or to see an unusual array of talents on display. However diverse the sites of origination, most guests to Rolyworld come from the neighboring countryside and small town. As this is Iowa, most people and customs are traditional and are fairly close-minded. However, as stated, my parents and their friends have adopted fairness and an anti-establishment-sense. In the world of Roly, I automatically BELONG.
