Lakewood Lore

Friendly neighbor makes waves while catching sun

Mention "nursing home," and most of us think of confinement. But that isn't so for Wally Bonnell, 49, a wheelchair patient at Aristocrat Lakewood, a care center on Detroit Avenue at Bunts Road.

Every weekday, Wally wheels out onto the sidewalk in front of the Aristocrat, where he stations himself and smiles and waves at the passing traffic for hours on end, and in all kinds of weather.

And this he has been doing for six years, starting shortly after he entered the home, following a car accident that resulted in brain damage and paralyzed his right leg.

"It does my heart good to see him waving so cheerfully," reported the Rev. Don Hayas of Lakewood's Pentecost Lutheran Church, who is a frequent passerby. "Somebody ought to write something about him."

Well, someone has - namely, Lakewood City Hall, which recently recognized Wally for his tireless pleasantry with a resolution signed by Mayor Madeline Cain and City Council members.

Presented at Christmastime, it commended him for his "enthusiastic demonstration of Lakewood hospitality."

It pointed out that he is known by hundreds, if not thousands, who pass the home as the man who gestures with a kind "hello."

It declared that "by his friendliness, affability and uplifting spirit, he has endeared himself to children and adults alike."

His admirers, especially on frigid days, are more than just the motorists plying the busy intersection. They also include pedestrians, many of whom are students going to and coming form nearby St. Edward High School.

Wally said he doesn't mind braving the cold. He finds it invigorating. However, he does brace himself against the icy winds my wearing thermal underwear, a winter jacket and a hunting cap with ear flaps. Also, he usually arms himself with a thermos of hot coffee.

"He is very motivated. Nothing stops him," remarked Dottie Welch, Aristocrat administrator.

"However, one day three years ago, when the wind-chill factor pushed the temperature down to 20 degrees below zero, we had to go out and ask him to come in," she added.

He takes pride in being able to exit and re-enter through the doorway without help, according to Welsh.

He goes out in the late mornings and, except for lunch, dinner and pill-taking breaks, stays at his post outside until 11 p.m.

On weekends, however, he takes a deserved respite by visiting with his mother in Highland Heights.

Born Wallace Bonnell in Coldwater, Mich., our subject later moved to Brunswick, Ohio, where he attended high school. Also, at one time, he lived in Lakewood near what is now the Aristocrat.

Before his accident in 1992, he worked as a car mechanic and a window washer. Besides his mother, Wally is buttressed by a stepfather, two brothers and a sister.

Wally explained to us that his waving routine helps his spirit by keeping his mind off his health problems. Furthermore, it gives him a chance to get out in the sunshine and be closer to his neighbors.

He also participates in the nursing home outings, likes watching the movies on television, and admits to enjoying double portions in the dining room.

"What's your goal?" we asked, in buttoning up the interview.

"To walk again," he replied musingly stroking his full salt-and-pepper beard.

This article by Dan Chabek appeared in the Lakewood Sun Post March 11, 1999. Reprinted with permission.

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