Being a parent is hard work even after your children are grown. Having a child with a disability puts a whole new spin on life. Your child with always be with you. People don’t understand unless they themselves have been through some kind tradgedy, or major challenge in their life.

I grew up with in a very authoritarian house. My father was the major voice whether you agreed with him or not. Now as an adult when I can’t remember a name of someone or a restaurant’s name I shut down when corrected. It makes me feel small. I retreat back to childhood. Even at 73 those feelings of inadequacy stay with me. No amount of therapy or being told that is in your past you must move on has made those feelings go away. So I was determined to learn to laugh and find humor in my life. I refused to live in a permanent pitty party. So sometimes my humor is thought of not being in touch with the world when in reality it is my safety net and I know exactly what the ” real meaning is”. We all have our defense mechanisms, humor is mine. Some appreciate it and some don’t. I have decided at this point in life I don’t care if someone likes me or not. I am ME and I am learning to live with the consequences trying to move on so the last half of my life I can just be ME!!

Much like a person with a disabilty is treated without respect or listensed to they deserve our respect and attention for being a person not an object. I like to laugh and be laughed with, not at. I love to talk to people and laugh and not have to discuss politics, religion or other subjects better left for another time.

I am good person who loves to help and give to people, I need that validation in my life. I expect nothing in return financially or otherwise. It makes my heart sing when I have helped someone acheive or can provide something for someone whether they know I helped or not.