Falling Forward: Memoirs of My Life with Polio

In 2010, I was asked by one of the few remaining polio-related publications to write a few short stories about my experiences growing up with polio. I caught polio in the fall of 1950, in the last polio epidemic that ran from 1949 to 1952. The Salk and Sabin vaccines arrived in 1954 and 1957 and polio declined as a threat in the U.S. soon afterwards.

In reflection, I have been extremely blessed throughout my life because of my catching the dreaded disease. I had a supportive, loving family; because of the polio I learned that I must get a good education and could not work in the local factories or on farms; I married an extraordinary girl, a nurse, who supported me in my work, gave me two wonderful children and who I love more than ever after 51 years of marriage; my work allowed me to meet leaders internationally and travel extensively in North America, Asia and Europe; l was blessed with two hard working, talented partners and our business, now 30 years old, has exceeded our best expectations, and my health remains good.

On my 73rd birthday, my family gave me this book, made from the stories I wrote a decade ago. The original title "Limping Through Life in Crippling Detail" could not be used because it had already been on another publication. I hope you enjoy this light hearted recollection of my early days.

I have promised my family to write about the next 50 years of my life; I have begun the outline.

I am honored you would take your valuable time reading my book.

Wallace W. Epperson, Jr, known as "Jerry" to his friends, grew up in the small town of Victoria, Virginia and had polio at the age of three in 1950. His parents encouraged him to get an education because of his physical limitations. As the first person in his family to go to college, he received degrees from both the University of Virginia and William & Mary before earning his charter as a C.F.A.

After years as an analyst in Investment Banking, he helped found Mann, Armistead and Epperson Ltd specializing in the Home Furnishings Industry. A monthly newsletter, The Furnishings Digest, still continues today. Jerry is also a regular columnist for Furniture Today and published a book, 50 Years of Furnishings Design: Fond Memories.

Jerry has received numerous awards in his career including the Distinguished Service Award from the American Home Furnishings Alliance, the Pillar of the Industry Award from the International Home Furnishings Representatives Association, and was elected to the American Home Furnishings Hall of Fame. He was recently awarded the American Heritage Award by the Anti-Defamation League.

He has been an active speaker, a board member to numerous non-profit associations, a long term advisor to many furniture companies, and traveled the world studying the furniture industry. Jerry has been married to his wife, Kathy, for over 51 years. They have two children, Wil and Kelley, two granddaughters and a large extended family he loves spending time with in their home in Richmond, Virginia.