Looking back through those younger years it seems as though things should have been caught sooner as to my disability. Especially due to the signs I showed, and the fact that the signs were not getting better only worse. If we knew of my diagnosis sooner I think my life as a young child would have been very different. I wouldn't have wanted to trade the way I grew up for anything. My parents always encouraged me to always do what I wanted, and if I fell to get back up and try again. Opportunities for me to have done some of the things I did probably would not have been done. For example, riding a bike, climbing trees, playing outside, playing sports, and doing some of the things in Elementary school. Everything happens for a reason. One of the best opportunities was being a child in the 80’s! I have a feeling that this could be a lot of entries that are continuing of the title due to me going into detail about some of these opportunities. Hope you enjoy!
Noticing the differences…
I never thought of myself any different than the other kids, although I was aware that there were physical differences. It was around the age of five others started seeing differences in me also. Nobody really had an understanding as to why I was clumsy or off balance and the other kids weren't. Even my pediatrician was convinced after doing some tests that I was just growing fast and was at that clumsy stage, and eventually would grow out of it. The first noticeable difference was that my balance was not very good. My dad said he remembers me pulling up from a couch and not letting go while I finished walking to where ever I was going. It was like I was afraid to let go. My brother never showed signs like this at that age. Because he did not see that happen all the time it was overlooked, but as he looks back now it was a sign. From the time I can remember I held on to anything and everything when walking. Remember when you were younger and walking along to not step on a crack or it just might break your mother’s back? Well I had my own version to try and walk as straight as possible to not break my mother’s back. I was in gymnastics between the ages of 6 and 7. Our team would go to meet's and perform in front of judges. I was afraid to do the balance beam, after trying it several times, for fear of falling. The only exercise I was comfortable with was the floor exercise. When we would go to the meet's I was always given the Honorable Mention Award. It made me sad that I was never given a higher award, but I never did quit because of it. Looking back now that too was a sign.
Noticing the differences…
I never thought of myself any different than the other kids, although I was aware that there were physical differences. It was around the age of five others started seeing differences in me also. Nobody really had an understanding as to why I was clumsy or off balance and the other kids weren't. Even my pediatrician was convinced after doing some tests that I was just growing fast and was at that clumsy stage, and eventually would grow out of it. The first noticeable difference was that my balance was not very good. My dad said he remembers me pulling up from a couch and not letting go while I finished walking to where ever I was going. It was like I was afraid to let go. My brother never showed signs like this at that age. Because he did not see that happen all the time it was overlooked, but as he looks back now it was a sign. From the time I can remember I held on to anything and everything when walking. Remember when you were younger and walking along to not step on a crack or it just might break your mother’s back? Well I had my own version to try and walk as straight as possible to not break my mother’s back. I was in gymnastics between the ages of 6 and 7. Our team would go to meet's and perform in front of judges. I was afraid to do the balance beam, after trying it several times, for fear of falling. The only exercise I was comfortable with was the floor exercise. When we would go to the meet's I was always given the Honorable Mention Award. It made me sad that I was never given a higher award, but I never did quit because of it. Looking back now that too was a sign.
Thanks for taking the time to read,
Miss S
2 comments:
I almost did not post a response here because as the song says "long haired freaky looking people need not apply" You know I am a long haired freaky looking person--but I am throwing caution to the wind and signing your blog anyways! Tee hee hee
When I first met you (at the ripe old age of 15) you could walk, but would always hold onto whomever you were walking with. It would take you a while, but you would get there.
That must have been difficult all those years to feel awkward and clumsy and not know why.
Thank goodness B met up with David D. and put 2 & 2 together. Who knows how much longer it may have taken for a diagnosis?
Lovely post Miss S.
I will talk to you soon!
Parisjasmal,
As a long haired freaky person I am glad for your comment.
I am so glad that you knew me when I walked, and had more abilities physically. I feel that you know more of me because of it. The same goes for all the people who knew me during my ripe old younger years!!
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