Thanks Tom for your introduction. I’m sure you have to deal with explaining CP a lot, but it does make it easier on the reader to hear your explanation. My brother had CP, but he had it throughout his body and had epilepsy to boot. So I’m familiar with the explanation part of introducing him to my friends.
In my 30’s, I decided I was going to be an interpreter for the deaf. Early on my class had a weekend retreat with the deaf community when all we could speak was sign language. My friends at the camp made great fun of my struggle to use the correct signs and when they translated what I actually said, we’d all burst into laughter. It was a very good experience as I struggled to communicate. I was in the minority on this retreat, and it put me in their shoes as to connecting in the world of the hearing.
Though ultimately, I had to give up that line of work, I came to understand on the deepest level what it was like to have a disability. It changed how I addressed folks and to always be aware every one has something they’re struggling with, some obvious, some not, but the great equalizer is humor and not taking oneself too seriously.
Thanks. That's so cool. I'd really like to replace the term "disability" with the term "baseline" because we all have a baseline. But I understand that disability does have some descriptive value. We're all just people. But I learned in my theater training to always address the elephant in the room. I'm glad you got where I'm coming from. Thanks!
Welcome Tom. Thanks for the real intro. Being a Physical Therapist, I also so appreciate humor and a different view. Your posts will have more depth to me and I look forward to all you have to share.
Hey Bill you really know how to pick your employees! They are both very inspirational and show a lot of endurance for what they must deal with. Thank you for being such a good employee picker lol
Thanks Denise. When I was young I used to not like being inspirational. But we all need inspiration sometimes. I've thought about this a fair bit. And I think it's something like don't let your circumstances define your aspirations. Also go after what you want with everything you can. I think that's sort of the template for living a life that inspires others to see what's possible.
Thanks Stan. Talking about disability is a tough needle to thread. As I said I've got a lot going on but my disability is often the thing that people are most curious about. Humor doesn't always translate in writing the way it does verbally.
Welcome Tom! I love that you introduced yourself with humor. Clearly the condition you have is difficult but I’m glad you have made peace with it & can find humor. My husband had epilepsy & I always say is just a condition he has, not a disease/disability, etc. Not letting things define who you are but instead just becoming a part of your whole I think is so important. Looking forward to more of yours stories
Thanks Tom for your introduction. I’m sure you have to deal with explaining CP a lot, but it does make it easier on the reader to hear your explanation. My brother had CP, but he had it throughout his body and had epilepsy to boot. So I’m familiar with the explanation part of introducing him to my friends.
In my 30’s, I decided I was going to be an interpreter for the deaf. Early on my class had a weekend retreat with the deaf community when all we could speak was sign language. My friends at the camp made great fun of my struggle to use the correct signs and when they translated what I actually said, we’d all burst into laughter. It was a very good experience as I struggled to communicate. I was in the minority on this retreat, and it put me in their shoes as to connecting in the world of the hearing.
Though ultimately, I had to give up that line of work, I came to understand on the deepest level what it was like to have a disability. It changed how I addressed folks and to always be aware every one has something they’re struggling with, some obvious, some not, but the great equalizer is humor and not taking oneself too seriously.
Thanks. That's so cool. I'd really like to replace the term "disability" with the term "baseline" because we all have a baseline. But I understand that disability does have some descriptive value. We're all just people. But I learned in my theater training to always address the elephant in the room. I'm glad you got where I'm coming from. Thanks!
welcome Tom and thanks for sharing your back story. Looking forward to some of your articles. Wishing you all the best!
Thanks Dorene
Welcome Tom. Thanks for the real intro. Being a Physical Therapist, I also so appreciate humor and a different view. Your posts will have more depth to me and I look forward to all you have to share.
Always happy to meet new PTs and OTs. Thanks!
Hi Tom! Welcome! Thanks for being so open and honest. I look forward to reading what you write.
Thanks Vicki. My mom does say I'm painfully honest :P
Tom - can’t even imagine the journey but appreciate you sharing it through your words and humor - really looking forward to your contributions!
Thanks I'm glad the humor came through
Hey Bill you really know how to pick your employees! They are both very inspirational and show a lot of endurance for what they must deal with. Thank you for being such a good employee picker lol
Thanks Denise. When I was young I used to not like being inspirational. But we all need inspiration sometimes. I've thought about this a fair bit. And I think it's something like don't let your circumstances define your aspirations. Also go after what you want with everything you can. I think that's sort of the template for living a life that inspires others to see what's possible.
I know I would like to be friends with you !
Welcome Tom; thank you for “breaking the ice”.
Thanks Stan. Talking about disability is a tough needle to thread. As I said I've got a lot going on but my disability is often the thing that people are most curious about. Humor doesn't always translate in writing the way it does verbally.
Tom, YOU are Awesome!
Thanks Ann!
Welcome Tom! I love that you introduced yourself with humor. Clearly the condition you have is difficult but I’m glad you have made peace with it & can find humor. My husband had epilepsy & I always say is just a condition he has, not a disease/disability, etc. Not letting things define who you are but instead just becoming a part of your whole I think is so important. Looking forward to more of yours stories
Hi 👋 Tom…you do good work, personally and professionally.