The life of John Merrick, the famous "Elephant Man," demonstrates that one life, despite great adversity, can touch many for good.

I was reading an interesting article about John Merrick, the so-called "Elephant Man." Merrick was called this because he was born with a disorder that caused his bones to distort. The result was a significantly malformed skeletal structure and a large humped skull somewhat resembling that of an elephant. For years, Merrick's life was reduced to appearances in carnivals and circus sideshows. His humiliation was unbearable, but there seemed no other alternative.

Then along came Dr. Frederick Trevor, a London surgeon, who saw beyond Merrick's appearance and decided to make a difference in his life. Dr. Trevor introduced Merrick to the cultural things in life and provided him with a friendship that years later inspired a Broadway play and fine film.

Also, Dr. Ashley Montague, a novelist, wrote a book, The Elephant Man: A Study in Human Dignity, about his relationship with Merrick. When Dr. Montague was asked the moral of his work, he was quoted as saying, "It is that the influence of a really good person lives on in the benefits he confers upon others, and that influence never really fades. Courage and integrity are among the most valuable virtues of humanity outlasting even death itself."

So the question is, "Who benefited the most from the relationship: Merrick, Trevor, or the audiences of play, film, and novel based on John Merrick's life?" There is little doubt that Merrick benefited, for he went from being a sideshow freak to being a man living, in so far as his condition permitted, a normal life with dignity. Dr. Trevor benefited from knowing in his heart that he made life bearable and honorable for another of God's children. And, without a doubt, the world benefited from the lessons taught by the creative arts in conveying Merrick's moving story. Truly, life is, in essence, a matter of understanding mankind, loving one's fellowman, and knowing that any adversity can be overcome.

Angelo G. Coppola, Sr. is a graduate of the University of Arkansas with a doctorate in public school administration. He has served as a teacher, principal, superintendent of schools, Arkansas State Department of Education employee, and presently is the Deputy Director for the Arkansas Teacher Retirement System. A retired Naval Officer and a member of the Executive Board for the Quapaw Council Boy Scouts of America, Dr. Coppola is also a Past Master and presently the Secretary of Albert Pike Lodge No. 714 in Little Rock, Arkansas. He is a member of the York Rite and began serving as the Grand Chaplain for the Grand Lodge of Arkansas in February 2001.