Saturday, February 29, 2020
Northern Dancer...the little horse that could...and DID...
Horse, thou art truly a creature without equal, for thou fliest without wings. ~The Koran
Northern Dancer was indeed a horse without equal, who flew without wings.
Born late Spring, in May, 1961, he was small. Not much larger than a large pony. But oh, did he have heart! Besides connections who believed in him. And, a small eight year old child in Kentucky who also had heart...and a deep passion for horses.
I became aware of Northern Dancer prior to the 1964 Kentucky Derby. There was all kinds of talk about this SMALL horse running in the Derby that year. No way could he win. Too little. Way too little. He will be left in the dust. Sportswriter Jim Murray of the Los Angeles Times wrote, "Northern Dancer...so plucky...all heart. His legs are barely long enough to keep his tail off the ground...and he probably takes a hundred more strides than anyone else."
Too SMALL?!! I believed in Northern Dancer and he WOULD beat the other BIG horses! He would win the Derby!
And he did. The Preakness too. In the Belmont, he came in a very respectable third.
And then...AND THEN...Northern Dancer was retired from racing to begin his life as a stallion in 1965. Some say he changed the Thoroughbred breed. He became one of the most successful sires of all time...with his progeny being highly sought after worldwide.
According to the Jockey Club, he sired 411 winners and 147 stakes winners from 645 foals, shattering records. Yet it hasn't stopped there. Many of his sons, grandsons, great grandsons, became successful, sought after sires in their own right.
Because of Northern Dancer's small size, Windfields Farm had to install a hydraulic lift so he could reach the mares. Often if the lift operator was not fast enough to hit the button as Northern Dancer thought he should be, he would give him a scathing glance.
When his very last offspring sold at Keeneland in 1989, before bidding began, the announcer said, "This is the last one from the Great One," to a standing ovation for Northern Dancer. That yearling sold for a record THIRTEEN MILLION U.S. DOLLARS.
Northern Dancer's impact has continued well into this century though.
Justify, the 2018 American Triple Crown winner has multiple crosses to Northern Dancer, through Storm Cat, Nijinsky, and Vice Regent. American Pharoah winner of the 2015 American Triple Crown is also strongly connected to Northern Dancer, as is California Chrome, winner of the 2014 Kentucky Derby and Preakness Stakes. Also, more Northern Dancer descended horses have won the Breeder's Cup than from any other horse. His daughters, granddaughters, and on, have been extremely successful and sought after as well. Additionally, some of the most successful matings to Northern Dancer were Secretariat daughters.
In 1990, at the age of 29, Northern Dancer had to be euthanized due to severe colic.
So you can probably understand why Northern Dancer became my hero. He was indeed the little horse that could, and oh, he did! How he did!
Northern Dancer was indeed a horse without equal, who flew without wings.
Born late Spring, in May, 1961, he was small. Not much larger than a large pony. But oh, did he have heart! Besides connections who believed in him. And, a small eight year old child in Kentucky who also had heart...and a deep passion for horses.
I became aware of Northern Dancer prior to the 1964 Kentucky Derby. There was all kinds of talk about this SMALL horse running in the Derby that year. No way could he win. Too little. Way too little. He will be left in the dust. Sportswriter Jim Murray of the Los Angeles Times wrote, "Northern Dancer...so plucky...all heart. His legs are barely long enough to keep his tail off the ground...and he probably takes a hundred more strides than anyone else."
Too SMALL?!! I believed in Northern Dancer and he WOULD beat the other BIG horses! He would win the Derby!
And he did. The Preakness too. In the Belmont, he came in a very respectable third.
And then...AND THEN...Northern Dancer was retired from racing to begin his life as a stallion in 1965. Some say he changed the Thoroughbred breed. He became one of the most successful sires of all time...with his progeny being highly sought after worldwide.
According to the Jockey Club, he sired 411 winners and 147 stakes winners from 645 foals, shattering records. Yet it hasn't stopped there. Many of his sons, grandsons, great grandsons, became successful, sought after sires in their own right.
Because of Northern Dancer's small size, Windfields Farm had to install a hydraulic lift so he could reach the mares. Often if the lift operator was not fast enough to hit the button as Northern Dancer thought he should be, he would give him a scathing glance.
When his very last offspring sold at Keeneland in 1989, before bidding began, the announcer said, "This is the last one from the Great One," to a standing ovation for Northern Dancer. That yearling sold for a record THIRTEEN MILLION U.S. DOLLARS.
Northern Dancer's impact has continued well into this century though.
Justify, the 2018 American Triple Crown winner has multiple crosses to Northern Dancer, through Storm Cat, Nijinsky, and Vice Regent. American Pharoah winner of the 2015 American Triple Crown is also strongly connected to Northern Dancer, as is California Chrome, winner of the 2014 Kentucky Derby and Preakness Stakes. Also, more Northern Dancer descended horses have won the Breeder's Cup than from any other horse. His daughters, granddaughters, and on, have been extremely successful and sought after as well. Additionally, some of the most successful matings to Northern Dancer were Secretariat daughters.
In 1990, at the age of 29, Northern Dancer had to be euthanized due to severe colic.
So you can probably understand why Northern Dancer became my hero. He was indeed the little horse that could, and oh, he did! How he did!
Friday, February 28, 2020
Having aplomb...
Websters definition of aplomb is: a state of mind or manner marked by composure, an easy coolness; freedom from uncertainty, or embarrassment.
As you now know, hilarious things can happen to this Little Person!
Like when I used to have speaking engagements. Well, as you know, podiums are designed for an average height person...NOT a person of MY height. Often I would have to stand on a chair to be seen over the podium and to reach the microphone.
No problem, right?
Wrong.
Sometimes one can forget one is height compromised when one is standing on a chair when speaking. And it comes time for that person to make a grand exit away from the podium...and then...AND THEN...suddenly go gracefully flying through the air in front of a large audience.
Falling off my horses has served me well though, you see. To help prevent injury and save face, if one falls in one smooth free flowing event, one may eventually end up back on one's feet like the whole thing was meant to happen just to show how very talented and athletic one can be in these things.
So this talent served me quite well with aplomb when I had a memory lapse, forgetting I was standing on a chair before a large crowd of people.
Sometimes aplomb is needed to grab a moment.
In a city I once lived was a gentleman who was the official Santa...and he looked just like Santa too, with a real white beard, red clothing, and spectacles. One day during the Christmas Season, I was in a busy grocery store shopping. As I hurried around a corner up a crowded aisle, I ran right smack into Santa.
For a moment we both looked at each other in complete surprise.
Seizing the moment, I blurted out, "Santa! I know I should be with the other elves up North right now, but there were things we needed from this store!"
He went with it, and replied, "Ho Ho Ho! We've been so busy, I understand, my little one! I had to come also. Did the reindeer bring you too?"
"No, because they are all with you! But I found another way to get here."
Back and forth we went. You should have seen not only the faces of the kids in that aisle, but the adults! They were totally transfixed. They absolutely loved us! By grabbing a moment with aplomb, we gave a bunch of harried adults and tired kids a moment they will likely never forget. Besides having fun doing it. A touch of wonder moment in Aisle 10.
Having aplomb is a wonderful thing, dear ones. Grab hold of aplomb and land on your feet.
As you now know, hilarious things can happen to this Little Person!
Like when I used to have speaking engagements. Well, as you know, podiums are designed for an average height person...NOT a person of MY height. Often I would have to stand on a chair to be seen over the podium and to reach the microphone.
No problem, right?
Wrong.
Sometimes one can forget one is height compromised when one is standing on a chair when speaking. And it comes time for that person to make a grand exit away from the podium...and then...AND THEN...suddenly go gracefully flying through the air in front of a large audience.
Falling off my horses has served me well though, you see. To help prevent injury and save face, if one falls in one smooth free flowing event, one may eventually end up back on one's feet like the whole thing was meant to happen just to show how very talented and athletic one can be in these things.
So this talent served me quite well with aplomb when I had a memory lapse, forgetting I was standing on a chair before a large crowd of people.
Sometimes aplomb is needed to grab a moment.
In a city I once lived was a gentleman who was the official Santa...and he looked just like Santa too, with a real white beard, red clothing, and spectacles. One day during the Christmas Season, I was in a busy grocery store shopping. As I hurried around a corner up a crowded aisle, I ran right smack into Santa.
For a moment we both looked at each other in complete surprise.
Seizing the moment, I blurted out, "Santa! I know I should be with the other elves up North right now, but there were things we needed from this store!"
He went with it, and replied, "Ho Ho Ho! We've been so busy, I understand, my little one! I had to come also. Did the reindeer bring you too?"
"No, because they are all with you! But I found another way to get here."
Back and forth we went. You should have seen not only the faces of the kids in that aisle, but the adults! They were totally transfixed. They absolutely loved us! By grabbing a moment with aplomb, we gave a bunch of harried adults and tired kids a moment they will likely never forget. Besides having fun doing it. A touch of wonder moment in Aisle 10.
Having aplomb is a wonderful thing, dear ones. Grab hold of aplomb and land on your feet.
Drop by drop...
We cannot tell the precise moment when friendship is formed. As in filling a vessel drop by drop, there is at last a drop which makes it run over...so in a series of kindnesses, there is at last a drop which makes the heart run over.
~James Boswell
Wednesday, February 26, 2020
My time in prison...
Compassion is what you give because of who YOU are...not because of who THEY are.
Unless you find peace within yourself, you will never find it anywhere else.
Many years ago I visited a group for the families of alcoholics, to try to better understand the alcoholism in my family. At the same church was a meeting for Alcoholics Anonymous, and afterwards, both groups mingled drinking coffee.
This is when I met Nora...
"You're short."
"No shit. You're black."
"No shit. I like you!"
"I like you too!"
Though Nora was many years older than me, we became very close friends. She was a recovering alcoholic, and oh, what a journey she had been on!
Briefly, after many years of hard drinking, Nora was dying of alcohol poisoning in the old General Hospital. She had been wheeled to the area for those soon to die. Only God had more for her to do, and spoke to her. Told her she was going to get sober, and help others.
She lived, got sober, and became a powerful speaker.
One day the Warden of a women's prison an hour out of the city asked Nora to come speak.
She asked, "Can I bring a friend? I don't drive and I need her to bring me, but she too, has quite a story to tell."
The Warden told her he would be thrilled to have us both.
So off to prison we went. Neither Nora or I had ever been in a prison before. There are a lot of guards. And a lot of iron gates. After the fourth one clanged shut behind us, Nora whispered to me, "I sure hope they let us back out of here!"
The women, guards, and Warden absolutely loved us. We were asked to come back many times. The Warden, guards, and most of all...the women, said we reached them in ways no one else ever did before.
I think one of my favorite African American writers, Zora Neale Hurston says it best, "You have to go there to know there." Meaning you have had to walk through it to be able to inspire...that we weren't talking "at" them with just words, but "to" them as survivors like they could be too.
Anyway, it was quite an experience for us both.
Eventually Nora married, and I continued my challenge surmounting and galloping on my horses everywhere. Yet no matter where I moved or which hospital I was in, Nora and I remained close until her passing.
We just never know what treasures may be found through the compassion we give, dear ones.
Unless you find peace within yourself, you will never find it anywhere else.
Many years ago I visited a group for the families of alcoholics, to try to better understand the alcoholism in my family. At the same church was a meeting for Alcoholics Anonymous, and afterwards, both groups mingled drinking coffee.
This is when I met Nora...
"You're short."
"No shit. You're black."
"No shit. I like you!"
"I like you too!"
Though Nora was many years older than me, we became very close friends. She was a recovering alcoholic, and oh, what a journey she had been on!
Briefly, after many years of hard drinking, Nora was dying of alcohol poisoning in the old General Hospital. She had been wheeled to the area for those soon to die. Only God had more for her to do, and spoke to her. Told her she was going to get sober, and help others.
She lived, got sober, and became a powerful speaker.
One day the Warden of a women's prison an hour out of the city asked Nora to come speak.
She asked, "Can I bring a friend? I don't drive and I need her to bring me, but she too, has quite a story to tell."
The Warden told her he would be thrilled to have us both.
So off to prison we went. Neither Nora or I had ever been in a prison before. There are a lot of guards. And a lot of iron gates. After the fourth one clanged shut behind us, Nora whispered to me, "I sure hope they let us back out of here!"
The women, guards, and Warden absolutely loved us. We were asked to come back many times. The Warden, guards, and most of all...the women, said we reached them in ways no one else ever did before.
I think one of my favorite African American writers, Zora Neale Hurston says it best, "You have to go there to know there." Meaning you have had to walk through it to be able to inspire...that we weren't talking "at" them with just words, but "to" them as survivors like they could be too.
Anyway, it was quite an experience for us both.
Eventually Nora married, and I continued my challenge surmounting and galloping on my horses everywhere. Yet no matter where I moved or which hospital I was in, Nora and I remained close until her passing.
We just never know what treasures may be found through the compassion we give, dear ones.
A "special" prayer...
Thank you God, for standing by me so far this day.
With Your help, I have not been impatient, rude, grumpy,
judgemental, ungrateful, or lost my temper yet...
BUT...you see God, I will be getting out of this bed very
soon now to begin the day, and I REALLY kind of think
I will be needing Your help even MORE then please...
With Your help, I have not been impatient, rude, grumpy,
judgemental, ungrateful, or lost my temper yet...
BUT...you see God, I will be getting out of this bed very
soon now to begin the day, and I REALLY kind of think
I will be needing Your help even MORE then please...
Tuesday, February 25, 2020
My Shetland pony Sadie...
All I seek is Heaven above me, and a horse beneath me.
"Hey Adelaide! Let's swim across on our horses!"
This was a HUGE pond, about the equivalent of two acres. On my Shetland pony, Sadie. With my best friends Lacy and her brother Rob and their horses.
Sadie was a dear, sweet black and white pinto, and she absolutely LOVED water! We couldn't just cross a creek, you see. Sadie had to splash in it until she got us both drenched...which is why I never went anywhere NEAR a creek during winters.
What a trio the three of us made too! Lacy's horse was a beautiful black Quarter Horse mare named Vandalla, and Rob's horse Havoc was a large black and white pinto pony. They, like me, rode bareback and often barefoot too, during the summer months.
There was not a trail or field in the area we hadn't galloped on with our beloved horses.
One day we discovered this amazing long trail that went through a forest, and then opened up into vast fields with this HUGE pond. It was when we took our horse and ponies to let them drink, and Sadie began splashing, Rob thought it would be great fun for all to swim across. Something none of us had ever done before with a horse. Oh, the exuberance of youth, huh?!!
Since Sadie was a Shetland pony, we two were swimming in no time! Rather, she swam and I swam beside her holding onto her mane and the reins. Vandalla with Lacy, and Havoc with Rob, were next to us doing the same.
We hadn't exactly planned just how best we should exit the pond though...like could we manage to be on their backs when we came out?
As Sadie and I neared the shore, I floated over her back, so when she came out, I would be on her. Only horses can become very slippery when soaking wet. And I am talking SLIPPERY. VERY SLIPPERY.
We made a lovely grand exit as we came out of the pond, and then I promptly went flying off onto the grass. Laughing. The same thing happened to both Lacy and Rob.
Our horses seemed to really enjoy it. When we decided to swim back, they all three eagerly plunged back in and yes, we all three went flying off again...laughing.
The three of us somehow knew what we shared that day would forever remain as treasure in our hearts. And has it ever. A moment of shared bliss I will forever hold onto.
"Hey Adelaide! Let's swim across on our horses!"
This was a HUGE pond, about the equivalent of two acres. On my Shetland pony, Sadie. With my best friends Lacy and her brother Rob and their horses.
Sadie was a dear, sweet black and white pinto, and she absolutely LOVED water! We couldn't just cross a creek, you see. Sadie had to splash in it until she got us both drenched...which is why I never went anywhere NEAR a creek during winters.
What a trio the three of us made too! Lacy's horse was a beautiful black Quarter Horse mare named Vandalla, and Rob's horse Havoc was a large black and white pinto pony. They, like me, rode bareback and often barefoot too, during the summer months.
There was not a trail or field in the area we hadn't galloped on with our beloved horses.
One day we discovered this amazing long trail that went through a forest, and then opened up into vast fields with this HUGE pond. It was when we took our horse and ponies to let them drink, and Sadie began splashing, Rob thought it would be great fun for all to swim across. Something none of us had ever done before with a horse. Oh, the exuberance of youth, huh?!!
Since Sadie was a Shetland pony, we two were swimming in no time! Rather, she swam and I swam beside her holding onto her mane and the reins. Vandalla with Lacy, and Havoc with Rob, were next to us doing the same.
We hadn't exactly planned just how best we should exit the pond though...like could we manage to be on their backs when we came out?
As Sadie and I neared the shore, I floated over her back, so when she came out, I would be on her. Only horses can become very slippery when soaking wet. And I am talking SLIPPERY. VERY SLIPPERY.
We made a lovely grand exit as we came out of the pond, and then I promptly went flying off onto the grass. Laughing. The same thing happened to both Lacy and Rob.
Our horses seemed to really enjoy it. When we decided to swim back, they all three eagerly plunged back in and yes, we all three went flying off again...laughing.
The three of us somehow knew what we shared that day would forever remain as treasure in our hearts. And has it ever. A moment of shared bliss I will forever hold onto.
A "warning..."
WARNING: Having a sense of humor and a gratitude attitude may be hazardous to fear and discouragement.
Funny Gaelic quote on true friendship...
May those who love us, love us,
And those who do not love us,
May God turn their hearts,
And if He does not turn their hearts,
May He please turn one of their ankles,
So we may know who they are by their limping.
~an old Gaelic Blessing
And those who do not love us,
May God turn their hearts,
And if He does not turn their hearts,
May He please turn one of their ankles,
So we may know who they are by their limping.
~an old Gaelic Blessing
Monday, February 24, 2020
All you can...
Do all the good you can,
By all the means you can,
In all the ways you can,
In all the places you can,
At all the times you can,
To all the people you can,
As long as you ever can.
~John Wesley
By all the means you can,
In all the ways you can,
In all the places you can,
At all the times you can,
To all the people you can,
As long as you ever can.
~John Wesley
Test of courage...
The greatest test of courage on Earth, is for one to bear pain without losing heart.
Robert Ingersoll
Robert Ingersoll
Sunday, February 23, 2020
The darker the sky...
"There is not enough darkness in all the world that can put out the light of even one small candle."
In my beloved writer Arthur Gordon's book, "A Touch Of Wonder," is the quote above. He went on to say, the quote was found on a small gravestone after one of the many bombing raids on Britain during early WWII. Some thought the quote was surely written by someone famous. But it wasn't. For it was written by a very sad, lonely elderly woman, whose cherished cat, which was all she had, was killed by a Nazi bomb.
I have always been a star gazer. One thing I noticed, is how the darker the sky, the brighter the stars shine...that it is the darkness making the light shine brighter.
The ones who have inspired me the most on my challenging journey are those who faced their challenges with such courage their inspiration shined forth.
Many years ago I read the incredibly touching book by Paula D'Arcy, entitled, "Song For Sarah." She and her husband were expecting their second child. Their first, was Sarah, a toddler. One Sunday in 1975 when they were traveling home after a visit with family, a drunk driver plowed into their car, seriously injuring Ms. D'Arcy, and killing both Mr. D'Arcy and Sarah.
In one brief shattering moment everything Ms. D'Arcy held dear was gone, except for the child she still carried. At the time, Ms. D'Arcy was keeping a journal...and she continued, pouring out her anguish, which eventually became her very inspiring "Song For Sarah."
She survived, and her courageous experience is helping many. Oh, so many. It helped me...during the daunting challenges of my first spine surgery. And especially helped me again years later when Aiden died. Here was someone who knew the darkness of terrible, gut wrenching tragedy, whose journey through it was the very reason she shined so brightly, becoming such a profound gift for others. These are the kinds of people who are my inspiration.
Yet many say my journey does the same for them. I hope so.
When life is tough, remember dear ones, all the darkness of heartbreaking challenges cannot put out the light of a candle burning bright with hope and courage.
In my beloved writer Arthur Gordon's book, "A Touch Of Wonder," is the quote above. He went on to say, the quote was found on a small gravestone after one of the many bombing raids on Britain during early WWII. Some thought the quote was surely written by someone famous. But it wasn't. For it was written by a very sad, lonely elderly woman, whose cherished cat, which was all she had, was killed by a Nazi bomb.
I have always been a star gazer. One thing I noticed, is how the darker the sky, the brighter the stars shine...that it is the darkness making the light shine brighter.
The ones who have inspired me the most on my challenging journey are those who faced their challenges with such courage their inspiration shined forth.
Many years ago I read the incredibly touching book by Paula D'Arcy, entitled, "Song For Sarah." She and her husband were expecting their second child. Their first, was Sarah, a toddler. One Sunday in 1975 when they were traveling home after a visit with family, a drunk driver plowed into their car, seriously injuring Ms. D'Arcy, and killing both Mr. D'Arcy and Sarah.
In one brief shattering moment everything Ms. D'Arcy held dear was gone, except for the child she still carried. At the time, Ms. D'Arcy was keeping a journal...and she continued, pouring out her anguish, which eventually became her very inspiring "Song For Sarah."
She survived, and her courageous experience is helping many. Oh, so many. It helped me...during the daunting challenges of my first spine surgery. And especially helped me again years later when Aiden died. Here was someone who knew the darkness of terrible, gut wrenching tragedy, whose journey through it was the very reason she shined so brightly, becoming such a profound gift for others. These are the kinds of people who are my inspiration.
Yet many say my journey does the same for them. I hope so.
When life is tough, remember dear ones, all the darkness of heartbreaking challenges cannot put out the light of a candle burning bright with hope and courage.
Saturday, February 22, 2020
Kindergarten learning...Part II
My own kindergarten learning...
Be nice to others.
Horses are good for you.
Play.
And laugh.
Include others.
Don't stare at others.
Remember to be thankful.
Swear words are not nice even if you hear them lots.
Big people fighting is scary.
Finding love is good.
Animals don't care what you look like.
Walk tall even if you're not.
Horses are good for you.
Never lose wonder.
Having aplomb is a good thing.
You're never too old for crayons.
Read books.
Draw.
Smile at others...you will make them happy.
Gaze at the stars above.
Plunge forth and not back.
Have courage.
Love life.
Be kind to all.
Give hugs.
Dance.
Love music.
Horses are good for you.
Be nice to others.
Horses are good for you.
Play.
And laugh.
Include others.
Don't stare at others.
Remember to be thankful.
Swear words are not nice even if you hear them lots.
Big people fighting is scary.
Finding love is good.
Animals don't care what you look like.
Walk tall even if you're not.
Horses are good for you.
Never lose wonder.
Having aplomb is a good thing.
You're never too old for crayons.
Read books.
Draw.
Smile at others...you will make them happy.
Gaze at the stars above.
Plunge forth and not back.
Have courage.
Love life.
Be kind to all.
Give hugs.
Dance.
Love music.
Horses are good for you.
Kindergarten learning...
In the late 1980's, a charming inspirational book, "All I Really Need To Know, I Learned In Kindergarten," by Robert Fulghum, came out becoming a #1 Bestseller. At the beginning he shares a list of things we learn, which I will share in a moment. Of course we all can come up with other things of our own we can add to the list too.
Long before I ever got to the kindergarten age, I had learned a lot. I learned swear words. You see my parents fought a lot and partied a lot. And swore A LOT.
So being the receptive three year old child I was, those words became MY vocabulary too. How could they not? I heard them constantly.
My babysitter, Mrs. Cassity, was an older lady I loved, who kept children in her home during the day. Since swear words were a regular part of my vocabulary, they came out no matter where I was...but never to be mean or anything like that. If my wooden block tower suddenly fell down, I would calmly say, "Oh f**k, I'll have to do it again."
Or, if a crayon broke, I would say, "Oh s$$t, my crayon just broke." And if it was raining, I would say, "D**n, it's raining." Now and then I would tearfully share with Mrs. Cassity, "My Mommy and Daddy had another BIG f**king fight last night and I couldn't sleep. Can I come live here?"
Thankfully, Mrs. Cassity understood I was only repeating the words I lived with, and did not punish me, which would have been very confusing for a three year old as to why I was being punished for words I heard all the time.
She would instead let my father have it, who came to pick me up!
By the time I was four, she had gently, lovingly helped me understand the words were not nice words a child should say...and probably saved me from being kicked out of kindergarten later!
Mr. Fulghum said, "All I really need to know about how to live I learned in kindergarten..."
"Share everything.
Play fair.
Don't hit people.
Put things back where you found them.
Clean up your own messes.
Don't take things that are not yours.
Say you're sorry when you hurt somebody.
Wash your hands.
Flush the toilet.
Warm cookies and cold milk are good for you.
Live a balanced life...learn some, think some, draw and paint and sing and dance and play and work some.
Tap a nap every afternoon.
When you go out into the world, hold hands, and stay together.
Be aware of wonder. Remember the little seed in a cup...the roots go down and the plant goes up and nobody really knows why, but we are all like that.
Goldfish, hamsters and white mice and even the little seed, they all die. So do we.
And remember the first word you learned...LOOK."
On the following page is Adelaide's "version..."😃
Long before I ever got to the kindergarten age, I had learned a lot. I learned swear words. You see my parents fought a lot and partied a lot. And swore A LOT.
So being the receptive three year old child I was, those words became MY vocabulary too. How could they not? I heard them constantly.
My babysitter, Mrs. Cassity, was an older lady I loved, who kept children in her home during the day. Since swear words were a regular part of my vocabulary, they came out no matter where I was...but never to be mean or anything like that. If my wooden block tower suddenly fell down, I would calmly say, "Oh f**k, I'll have to do it again."
Or, if a crayon broke, I would say, "Oh s$$t, my crayon just broke." And if it was raining, I would say, "D**n, it's raining." Now and then I would tearfully share with Mrs. Cassity, "My Mommy and Daddy had another BIG f**king fight last night and I couldn't sleep. Can I come live here?"
Thankfully, Mrs. Cassity understood I was only repeating the words I lived with, and did not punish me, which would have been very confusing for a three year old as to why I was being punished for words I heard all the time.
She would instead let my father have it, who came to pick me up!
By the time I was four, she had gently, lovingly helped me understand the words were not nice words a child should say...and probably saved me from being kicked out of kindergarten later!
Mr. Fulghum said, "All I really need to know about how to live I learned in kindergarten..."
"Share everything.
Play fair.
Don't hit people.
Put things back where you found them.
Clean up your own messes.
Don't take things that are not yours.
Say you're sorry when you hurt somebody.
Wash your hands.
Flush the toilet.
Warm cookies and cold milk are good for you.
Live a balanced life...learn some, think some, draw and paint and sing and dance and play and work some.
Tap a nap every afternoon.
When you go out into the world, hold hands, and stay together.
Be aware of wonder. Remember the little seed in a cup...the roots go down and the plant goes up and nobody really knows why, but we are all like that.
Goldfish, hamsters and white mice and even the little seed, they all die. So do we.
And remember the first word you learned...LOOK."
On the following page is Adelaide's "version..."😃
What lies within...
What lies behind us, and what lies before us,
Are tiny matters compared to what lies within us.
~Ralph Waldo Emerson
What a friend is...
A friend is one to whom one may pour out
all the contents of one's heart,
chaff and grain together,
knowing that the gentlest
of hands will take and sift it,
keep what is worth keeping,
and with the breath of kindness,
blow the rest away.
~Arabian Proverb
Friday, February 21, 2020
Friends
"Hey Adelaide! Do you want to go next?!!"
"Yesss!"
We're talking about hanging UPSIDE DOWN by my legs from a rope, swinging way out over a very rocky creek ravine.
I had to be crazy hanging UPSIDE DOWN by my legs from a rope, swinging way out over a very rocky creek ravine!
Yet anything my friends did, I did. Or tried to!
Despite my very challenging childhood, I have never had trouble making friends though. Even when my parents moved a lot and I had to keep changing schools. At the age of six when they once again moved to a new city, all on my own I immediately went door to door in the new neighborhood introducing myself and asking if there were any kids my age to play with. Immediately I made a bunch of new friends!
As an adult, my horses, cats and I moved to many places where I did not know anyone (some of my cats and horses have been to more places than many humans)! Yet I was never a stranger for very long because of my work, outgoing ways, and being a Little Person with a horse.
"You own a horse?!! How do you get ON your horse?!!"
I have been so blessed with friends throughout the world. Even some with as wicked of a sense of humor as mine. Like renting a used hearse for my 30th birthday?!! I loved it! How many people can say they rode in a hearse...ALIVE?!! We had a blast! The best moments with friends are those serendipitous ones that just happen. Shared moments. Fun moments.
Yet for me, the absolute best moments ever, are when I often have been blessed to hear how friends totally forget I am a Little Person, and to them, am simply, Adelaide, their friend.
The love we live is what matters most, dear ones.
Oh, and serendipity...sweet, sweet serendipity.
"Yesss!"
We're talking about hanging UPSIDE DOWN by my legs from a rope, swinging way out over a very rocky creek ravine.
I had to be crazy hanging UPSIDE DOWN by my legs from a rope, swinging way out over a very rocky creek ravine!
Yet anything my friends did, I did. Or tried to!
Despite my very challenging childhood, I have never had trouble making friends though. Even when my parents moved a lot and I had to keep changing schools. At the age of six when they once again moved to a new city, all on my own I immediately went door to door in the new neighborhood introducing myself and asking if there were any kids my age to play with. Immediately I made a bunch of new friends!
As an adult, my horses, cats and I moved to many places where I did not know anyone (some of my cats and horses have been to more places than many humans)! Yet I was never a stranger for very long because of my work, outgoing ways, and being a Little Person with a horse.
"You own a horse?!! How do you get ON your horse?!!"
I have been so blessed with friends throughout the world. Even some with as wicked of a sense of humor as mine. Like renting a used hearse for my 30th birthday?!! I loved it! How many people can say they rode in a hearse...ALIVE?!! We had a blast! The best moments with friends are those serendipitous ones that just happen. Shared moments. Fun moments.
Yet for me, the absolute best moments ever, are when I often have been blessed to hear how friends totally forget I am a Little Person, and to them, am simply, Adelaide, their friend.
The love we live is what matters most, dear ones.
Oh, and serendipity...sweet, sweet serendipity.
The gift of kindness...
I shall pass through this world but once,
If there is any kindness I can show,
Or any good thing I can do,
Let me do it now,
For I shall not pass this way again. ~Grellet
People seldom know this about me, but I am partially deaf. I had such severe ear problems, several surgeries were needed.
Not knowing how much worse mine could become, as a young adult I learned Sign Language and lip reading, which have brought unexpected blessings along the way.
Some of the best are when I have encountered a deaf person having trouble communicating in places like a hospital where I would be. Imagine their joy and relief when I happened to be there too, and could help.
The best ever experience was when I moved to a new city, into a apartment across the hall from a dear elderly lady who was deaf. I had heard she was a very sad, lonely woman, and shunned people, but no one understood why. One day I decided to introduce myself to her when I saw her in the hallway. She pointed to both her ears and shook her head "no," indicating she was deaf.
What sheer joy came over her face when I began "speaking" to her in Sign Language! She could hardly believe finding someone who could communicate with her, and for her! She was overjoyed!
For the remainder of Laura's life, I was her lifeline. Even the one who found her after she passed away. For the final time, I communicated on her behalf with the police and coroner, as she had entrusted me with everything that was needed by them.
When Laura discovered someone who opened the window of communication for her, she became a different person, joining get togethers and casting her isolation aside. Her world changed, and others got to see her in a whole new light.
We never know what a powerful gift kindness can become until we share it.
If there is any kindness I can show,
Or any good thing I can do,
Let me do it now,
For I shall not pass this way again. ~Grellet
People seldom know this about me, but I am partially deaf. I had such severe ear problems, several surgeries were needed.
Not knowing how much worse mine could become, as a young adult I learned Sign Language and lip reading, which have brought unexpected blessings along the way.
Some of the best are when I have encountered a deaf person having trouble communicating in places like a hospital where I would be. Imagine their joy and relief when I happened to be there too, and could help.
The best ever experience was when I moved to a new city, into a apartment across the hall from a dear elderly lady who was deaf. I had heard she was a very sad, lonely woman, and shunned people, but no one understood why. One day I decided to introduce myself to her when I saw her in the hallway. She pointed to both her ears and shook her head "no," indicating she was deaf.
What sheer joy came over her face when I began "speaking" to her in Sign Language! She could hardly believe finding someone who could communicate with her, and for her! She was overjoyed!
For the remainder of Laura's life, I was her lifeline. Even the one who found her after she passed away. For the final time, I communicated on her behalf with the police and coroner, as she had entrusted me with everything that was needed by them.
When Laura discovered someone who opened the window of communication for her, she became a different person, joining get togethers and casting her isolation aside. Her world changed, and others got to see her in a whole new light.
We never know what a powerful gift kindness can become until we share it.
Horse wonders...
Several years ago in Sidelines Magazine was a touching story of a horse that could have gone to slaughter. At a barn where people could purchase horses in need, a number of potential buyers were there. A mare in a
stall kept kicking the stall walls, scaring everyone away...except for a long time jump trainer.
Eventually he decided to enter her stall. When he did, she immediately went to him and buried her head under his arm. In tears he realized she was TRYING to get help the only way she could, because she KNEW what was happening. He bought her. She has since been working her way up the jump circuit with that trainer and a young rider she has also bonded with. Horses know where they are about to go, and they know when they are safe. And loved.
I have touched on how my horse Havilla had gone blind. She was the only one of my horses who never came to me when I called her. Though I would have to go get Havilla, she never made an attempt to run away from me.
Havilla was extremely close to a beautiful horse named Strand, and the two were always together. Yet when I would take Havilla away from Strand, they were never upset being separated as some horses become. When done with Havilla, I noticed she would neigh for Strand, and wait for him as he came to her. Then the two would go on their way.
Watching the two one day, I noticed how after Strand came to Havilla, as they left, Havilla was constantly touching his rump with her nose. Then it suddenly hit me, something was wrong with her eyes! Soon after, the vet confirmed it. After I told him about Strand being her eyes, we both marvelled at HOW did they work this out? HOW did Strand understand she needed him in that way?
The farm where I boarded some of my horses was 200 acres with only the outer perimeter fenced. There was a long driveway that wound its way through the property. If Patches saw my car coming, I wouldn't have to call him, because he KNEW my car! He would come running, then follow or trot along side the car until we reached our special place.
Since two other boarders had cars the same color as mine with similar shapes, I asked them if Patches ever followed their cars thinking it was me. He didn't. Yet he KNEW exactly which was MY car from a long distance. Amazing.
The miracle of horses...but then, I am kind of prejudiced, you see.😃
stall kept kicking the stall walls, scaring everyone away...except for a long time jump trainer.
Eventually he decided to enter her stall. When he did, she immediately went to him and buried her head under his arm. In tears he realized she was TRYING to get help the only way she could, because she KNEW what was happening. He bought her. She has since been working her way up the jump circuit with that trainer and a young rider she has also bonded with. Horses know where they are about to go, and they know when they are safe. And loved.
I have touched on how my horse Havilla had gone blind. She was the only one of my horses who never came to me when I called her. Though I would have to go get Havilla, she never made an attempt to run away from me.
Havilla was extremely close to a beautiful horse named Strand, and the two were always together. Yet when I would take Havilla away from Strand, they were never upset being separated as some horses become. When done with Havilla, I noticed she would neigh for Strand, and wait for him as he came to her. Then the two would go on their way.
Watching the two one day, I noticed how after Strand came to Havilla, as they left, Havilla was constantly touching his rump with her nose. Then it suddenly hit me, something was wrong with her eyes! Soon after, the vet confirmed it. After I told him about Strand being her eyes, we both marvelled at HOW did they work this out? HOW did Strand understand she needed him in that way?
The farm where I boarded some of my horses was 200 acres with only the outer perimeter fenced. There was a long driveway that wound its way through the property. If Patches saw my car coming, I wouldn't have to call him, because he KNEW my car! He would come running, then follow or trot along side the car until we reached our special place.
Since two other boarders had cars the same color as mine with similar shapes, I asked them if Patches ever followed their cars thinking it was me. He didn't. Yet he KNEW exactly which was MY car from a long distance. Amazing.
The miracle of horses...but then, I am kind of prejudiced, you see.😃
Thursday, February 20, 2020
Patches and I newspaper photo...
changed.🤣 Other than the effects of age and the increasing severe physical challenges, I am basically the same. If you like, I will continue sharing more photos and artwork here as time passes.🐎😃🐎
Wednesday, February 19, 2020
Keep your head held high...Part II
Getting from one end of the parallel bars and back was very painful, exhausting, and tough. But I did it! Shuffling, but I did it!
Soon after, I progressed enough to be allowed to get in and out of bed on my own.
My Physical Therapist measured how many rounds of the 6th floor it would take to make a mile. Four rounds made 1/4 of a mile, so 16 rounds were needed each day.
I was on it!
Finally the big day came. I was still shuffling but could hold my own...on the 6th Floor, but could I on the outside?
My doctors, some nurses, and various other hospital staff were there too.
And someone else.
Mr. Rothschild, who had been on the ward across the hall from me, was recovering from a painful knee surgery. He told my doctors and I later, he was very depressed after his surgery, and was terrified of the pain...to the point of giving up.
He heard me refusing to give up, then witnessed me struggling to do those 6th Floor rounds. Mr. Rothschild thought if someone like me with so much wrong who was not giving up despite all my challenges, he certainly could too.
Together, we did that mile and were applauded.
You see, we just never know who is about to be inspired by the way we are playing our part and keeping our head held high on the tough stage of life.
Hold courage, my friends, and keep your head held high out there.😃
Soon after, I progressed enough to be allowed to get in and out of bed on my own.
My Physical Therapist measured how many rounds of the 6th floor it would take to make a mile. Four rounds made 1/4 of a mile, so 16 rounds were needed each day.
I was on it!
Finally the big day came. I was still shuffling but could hold my own...on the 6th Floor, but could I on the outside?
My doctors, some nurses, and various other hospital staff were there too.
And someone else.
Mr. Rothschild, who had been on the ward across the hall from me, was recovering from a painful knee surgery. He told my doctors and I later, he was very depressed after his surgery, and was terrified of the pain...to the point of giving up.
He heard me refusing to give up, then witnessed me struggling to do those 6th Floor rounds. Mr. Rothschild thought if someone like me with so much wrong who was not giving up despite all my challenges, he certainly could too.
Together, we did that mile and were applauded.
You see, we just never know who is about to be inspired by the way we are playing our part and keeping our head held high on the tough stage of life.
Hold courage, my friends, and keep your head held high out there.😃
Keep your head held high...
Life is a stage,
So learn to play your part,
Keep your head held high,
And learn to bear its sorrows.
Palladius
Through the years I worked on many Theatre stages, from large famous ones to very small ones. That Theatre has been such a wonderful constant in my life, is symbolic in a sense. For you see, I have often found myself being an inspiration to others, quite unaware I was, upon the challenging stage my journey is on.
Twice I was told I wouldn't be able to walk again. Twice, I didn't listen. Earlier, I shared with you the second time this happened.
The first time I was only nineteen.
Ten hours into the surgery my neurosurgeons and orthopaedic surgeons ran into complications, through no fault of theirs. Seven hours later they were done. The next day, in ICU they were anxious to see if I had any movement in my legs, and asked me to move them. Nothing happened.
I had a horse. I was in school, and worked. My artwork was selling. I had a life. Obviously, I would have adjusted to being paralyzed, but I wasn't ready to give up hope yet. I kept focusing on my legs, and wouldn't let go of what it was like to ride or dance. Then I heard about a six mile marathon scheduled for July 4th...two months away. I had this crazy idea to at least be able to do the last mile of it...walking. On my own.
My surgeon kindly reminded me, "But you can't move your legs!"
"No shit," I said. "But I'm going to! Watch me."
The ward I was on did not have any other young people at the time. The other patients were up in age, recovering from hip or knee surgeries. And some WERE indeed watching ME.
Slowly...ever so slowly...my toes, feet, legs began getting movement. I was pouring everything into them to make them move. My doctors were astounded.
One day my surgeon suddenly took me down to Physical Therapy. He positioned me at one end of the parallel bars so I could hold onto them. He thought at best I would manage one or two steps. I managed to go all the way to the other end, and return. He couldn't believe it! However, it wasn't as easy as it sounds.
More in the next blog...😃
So learn to play your part,
Keep your head held high,
And learn to bear its sorrows.
Palladius
Through the years I worked on many Theatre stages, from large famous ones to very small ones. That Theatre has been such a wonderful constant in my life, is symbolic in a sense. For you see, I have often found myself being an inspiration to others, quite unaware I was, upon the challenging stage my journey is on.
Twice I was told I wouldn't be able to walk again. Twice, I didn't listen. Earlier, I shared with you the second time this happened.
The first time I was only nineteen.
Ten hours into the surgery my neurosurgeons and orthopaedic surgeons ran into complications, through no fault of theirs. Seven hours later they were done. The next day, in ICU they were anxious to see if I had any movement in my legs, and asked me to move them. Nothing happened.
I had a horse. I was in school, and worked. My artwork was selling. I had a life. Obviously, I would have adjusted to being paralyzed, but I wasn't ready to give up hope yet. I kept focusing on my legs, and wouldn't let go of what it was like to ride or dance. Then I heard about a six mile marathon scheduled for July 4th...two months away. I had this crazy idea to at least be able to do the last mile of it...walking. On my own.
My surgeon kindly reminded me, "But you can't move your legs!"
"No shit," I said. "But I'm going to! Watch me."
The ward I was on did not have any other young people at the time. The other patients were up in age, recovering from hip or knee surgeries. And some WERE indeed watching ME.
Slowly...ever so slowly...my toes, feet, legs began getting movement. I was pouring everything into them to make them move. My doctors were astounded.
One day my surgeon suddenly took me down to Physical Therapy. He positioned me at one end of the parallel bars so I could hold onto them. He thought at best I would manage one or two steps. I managed to go all the way to the other end, and return. He couldn't believe it! However, it wasn't as easy as it sounds.
More in the next blog...😃
Tuesday, February 18, 2020
Adelaide Fashion...
Everyone who knows me or who has known me, absolutely loves my "style." It's Boho, Soho, and more. When you're a Little Person who studied ballet, dresses like an artist, who can also be divinely flamboyant, and rides horses, you have a style all your own coveted by those who are of average
height.🤣
I wear hats. Always have. Always will. They make me taller. And back in the 1970's when platform shoes were the rage, with a hat AND platform shoes, my height could increase by at least 5 inches! I could actually reach water fountains in the days before these were lowered!
Since I already stand out anyway, I figured, why not stand out in style? Like if people were going to stare anyway, why not give them someone flamboyantly stylish! I have actually been praised and admired by total strangers for my style. It's crazy, yet it helps to offset the mean invasive ridicule from the others.
I have always loved dance and dance wear. I never need worry about fit, due to the wrap around leotard skirts and so forth. In addition, I love mini-skirts for the average size female, as they always fit perfectly on me with NO HEMMING NEEDED!😂
Long sleeves are quite popular these days...yet for me, they always have been just that...too LONG!
When I know I am at my very best in whatever I wear, I walk just a bit more taller, and that, my friends, matters...especially with being such a "standout" anyway, each time I leave home.
In 1984 I wrote the following poem, which kind of says it all:
And I can dance too.
See me rise,
Rise, rise above the stage,
Dancing free,
Dancing proud,
Dancing beautiful.
My dear ones, dance proud wherever you are.😃
height.🤣
I wear hats. Always have. Always will. They make me taller. And back in the 1970's when platform shoes were the rage, with a hat AND platform shoes, my height could increase by at least 5 inches! I could actually reach water fountains in the days before these were lowered!
Since I already stand out anyway, I figured, why not stand out in style? Like if people were going to stare anyway, why not give them someone flamboyantly stylish! I have actually been praised and admired by total strangers for my style. It's crazy, yet it helps to offset the mean invasive ridicule from the others.
I have always loved dance and dance wear. I never need worry about fit, due to the wrap around leotard skirts and so forth. In addition, I love mini-skirts for the average size female, as they always fit perfectly on me with NO HEMMING NEEDED!😂
Long sleeves are quite popular these days...yet for me, they always have been just that...too LONG!
When I know I am at my very best in whatever I wear, I walk just a bit more taller, and that, my friends, matters...especially with being such a "standout" anyway, each time I leave home.
In 1984 I wrote the following poem, which kind of says it all:
And I can dance too.
See me rise,
Rise, rise above the stage,
Dancing free,
Dancing proud,
Dancing beautiful.
My dear ones, dance proud wherever you are.😃
Two of my prints...
Hope you enjoy seeing these!🐎
Monday, February 17, 2020
When God created the horse...
And God took a handful of southerly wind, blew His breath over it, and created the horse.
~Bedouin Legend
Years before Patches came along, I boarded my beloved horse Selah at the same farm. Selah was a beautiful bay horse with black mane, tail, and lower legs, as well as having a white blaze.
One of the other boarders had a yearling colt pony they were trying to decide if they should have gelded or not. For those unfamiliar with equine terminology, a gelded horse is the same as a neutered cat or dog.😄
When those of us who owned mares expressed concern to Pete about how much longer was he going to wait, he of course insisted there was no way Rocky could impregnate the mares. Was too young, he said. Couldn't reach them either, he said.
By fall, it was obvious to those of us with mares, to see we had EXPECTING mares, thanks to Rocky "the too young who couldn't reach the mares yearling." Rocky was then quickly removed from the farm after all the fun he managed to have.😂
In spring the foals began coming. Selah gave birth to a lovely little filly, I named Rachel. I was there when she was born and we immediately bonded.
Since I could not afford to keep two horses, I knew I would need to sell Rachel, and it wasn't going to be easy. Nevertheless, when she was old enough to be weaned, I had her moved to another farm. After she reached the age of one, like with Patches, I simply began riding her, because of the bond we had.
This farm was located near trails, via various backroads.
One summer day riding bareback, in my bare feet, blowing huge bubblegum bubbles, I was riding Rachel down one of the backroads to reach the trails.
A man in a car slowly passed us. He turned around and passed us again slowly. Then he turned around and came back towards us. By then I was obviously very uneasy. Suddenly the man stopped and got out of his car.
By the look on my face, he quickly reassured me and showed me his camera, explaining he was a photographer with the newspaper. He LOVED the image of Rachel and I, riding bareback in my bare feet blowing bubbles. He asked for permission to take our photo, and the next day, there were Rachel and I on the front page of the newspaper, with my face partly obscured by a huge bubble I was asked to please blow. It was called, "Blowing Bubbles On Horseback."
Being a Little Person had nothing to do with it! I loved it.
And you know what else? The newspaper received several calls from people wanting to know if Rachel was for sale!
I interviewed each one, then checked them out first before deciding on the one who would buy Rachel. She went on to have a much loved, happy life...all because one day we were on a backroad with me blowing bubbles...
~Bedouin Legend
Years before Patches came along, I boarded my beloved horse Selah at the same farm. Selah was a beautiful bay horse with black mane, tail, and lower legs, as well as having a white blaze.
One of the other boarders had a yearling colt pony they were trying to decide if they should have gelded or not. For those unfamiliar with equine terminology, a gelded horse is the same as a neutered cat or dog.😄
When those of us who owned mares expressed concern to Pete about how much longer was he going to wait, he of course insisted there was no way Rocky could impregnate the mares. Was too young, he said. Couldn't reach them either, he said.
By fall, it was obvious to those of us with mares, to see we had EXPECTING mares, thanks to Rocky "the too young who couldn't reach the mares yearling." Rocky was then quickly removed from the farm after all the fun he managed to have.😂
In spring the foals began coming. Selah gave birth to a lovely little filly, I named Rachel. I was there when she was born and we immediately bonded.
Since I could not afford to keep two horses, I knew I would need to sell Rachel, and it wasn't going to be easy. Nevertheless, when she was old enough to be weaned, I had her moved to another farm. After she reached the age of one, like with Patches, I simply began riding her, because of the bond we had.
This farm was located near trails, via various backroads.
One summer day riding bareback, in my bare feet, blowing huge bubblegum bubbles, I was riding Rachel down one of the backroads to reach the trails.
A man in a car slowly passed us. He turned around and passed us again slowly. Then he turned around and came back towards us. By then I was obviously very uneasy. Suddenly the man stopped and got out of his car.
By the look on my face, he quickly reassured me and showed me his camera, explaining he was a photographer with the newspaper. He LOVED the image of Rachel and I, riding bareback in my bare feet blowing bubbles. He asked for permission to take our photo, and the next day, there were Rachel and I on the front page of the newspaper, with my face partly obscured by a huge bubble I was asked to please blow. It was called, "Blowing Bubbles On Horseback."
Being a Little Person had nothing to do with it! I loved it.
And you know what else? The newspaper received several calls from people wanting to know if Rachel was for sale!
I interviewed each one, then checked them out first before deciding on the one who would buy Rachel. She went on to have a much loved, happy life...all because one day we were on a backroad with me blowing bubbles...
The greatest gift...Part II
The greatest gift one can give to another person, is a deeper understanding of life, and the ability to love and believe in self.
~Chantal
The key words in my cherished quote above, are "the ability to love and believe in self."
Growing up in the kind of childhood I had, didn't exactly instill a good self image, which further was not helped by also being the constant "object" of ridicule and rude comments out in public.
I have always been blessed though, with the right people when I needed help the most. Two of those were when I was still a teenager on my own.
My friend Joseph was like a big brother to me. He made me see how my upbringing and the public had caused me to carry "a dwarf card." I was doing extraordinary things, and galloping across fields upon my horses, yet felt helpless against the negative feelings the mean rudeness I encountered kept evoking.
Joseph had me use my artistic abilities to make a "dwarf card" on large poster board, made to look just like a real credit card. Only this "credit card" entitled
one to feel...and I listed all the negative, sometimes paralyzing feelings which arose each time I was so rudely ridiculed.
Then we went through them all one by one, discussing them. One for instance, was a feeling of shame. Joseph made me see I had absolutely no reason to feel shame, especially with all the amazing things I could do and the amazing person I am...that I was letting strangers have power with their terrible words.
After we talked about all the things on my "dwarf card," we had a burning ceremony, which in its own way, became a "freeing" ceremony for me. All I needed was the right person to guide me when I needed it the most back then.
The other person who gave me the "ability to love and believe in self" gift, was Tom Sullivan, who wrote the book I read as a teenager I mentioned in an earlier blog, "If You Could See What I Hear." I never met Mr. Sullivan, but his book really taught me to embrace my uniqueness.
We are all unique, my dear ones. Love and believe in yourself.
~Chantal
The key words in my cherished quote above, are "the ability to love and believe in self."
Growing up in the kind of childhood I had, didn't exactly instill a good self image, which further was not helped by also being the constant "object" of ridicule and rude comments out in public.
I have always been blessed though, with the right people when I needed help the most. Two of those were when I was still a teenager on my own.
My friend Joseph was like a big brother to me. He made me see how my upbringing and the public had caused me to carry "a dwarf card." I was doing extraordinary things, and galloping across fields upon my horses, yet felt helpless against the negative feelings the mean rudeness I encountered kept evoking.
Joseph had me use my artistic abilities to make a "dwarf card" on large poster board, made to look just like a real credit card. Only this "credit card" entitled
one to feel...and I listed all the negative, sometimes paralyzing feelings which arose each time I was so rudely ridiculed.
Then we went through them all one by one, discussing them. One for instance, was a feeling of shame. Joseph made me see I had absolutely no reason to feel shame, especially with all the amazing things I could do and the amazing person I am...that I was letting strangers have power with their terrible words.
After we talked about all the things on my "dwarf card," we had a burning ceremony, which in its own way, became a "freeing" ceremony for me. All I needed was the right person to guide me when I needed it the most back then.
The other person who gave me the "ability to love and believe in self" gift, was Tom Sullivan, who wrote the book I read as a teenager I mentioned in an earlier blog, "If You Could See What I Hear." I never met Mr. Sullivan, but his book really taught me to embrace my uniqueness.
We are all unique, my dear ones. Love and believe in yourself.
Look well to this day...
Look well to this day,
For it is life, the very life of life.
In its brief course lies all the realities
and verities of existence...
The bliss of growth,
The splendor of action,
The glory of power.
For yesterday is but a memory,
And tomorrow, a vision.
But today, well lived,
Makes every yesterday a dream of happiness,
And every tomorrow, a vision of hope.
Look well, therefore, to this day.
‐‐‐‐The Sanskrit Proverb
For it is life, the very life of life.
In its brief course lies all the realities
and verities of existence...
The bliss of growth,
The splendor of action,
The glory of power.
For yesterday is but a memory,
And tomorrow, a vision.
But today, well lived,
Makes every yesterday a dream of happiness,
And every tomorrow, a vision of hope.
Look well, therefore, to this day.
‐‐‐‐The Sanskrit Proverb
Sunday, February 16, 2020
Love remains...
People always ask if I ever married. Many Little People find their true love via the wonderful organization, Little People Of America. Or some of us find our true love in unexpected ways. SOME of us even find a 5'11" true love in an unexpected way!
Would you believe we found each other through our horses?!!
That's right!
Aiden's horse Sierra was very difficult for him to catch. Wonderful when and if he caught her. Yet she had quite a penchant for playing "hard to get."
Immediately after I moved Patches to the same farm, Patches and Sierra became buddies, and when Patches came running to me, Sierra did too.
Well, it didn't take long before Aiden heard about Patches and I, besides the fact HIS horse came running to me with my horse. He just HAD to meet me.
We hit it off and Aiden had the best excuse ever to ask for my phone number. He needed to know when I would be coming to the farm so he could get Sierra much easier.
Soon we began riding together, then getting coffee or dinner afterwards. Neither of us had to be worried if we smelled horsey, because we both did.
Obviously people really did double takes when they saw this 4'3" Little Lady with a 5'11" man. More so when it became obvious we were in love.
Aiden was The One.
Tragically he died in a freak accident unrelated to horses. One never really gets over something like that, and I never have. I did find a way though to keep going, because that's what I always do.
They say it is better to have loved and lost, than never to have loved at all. And for that I am deeply grateful.
My dear ones, all that remains from all we are is the love we lived.
Live love and cherish love.
Would you believe we found each other through our horses?!!
That's right!
Aiden's horse Sierra was very difficult for him to catch. Wonderful when and if he caught her. Yet she had quite a penchant for playing "hard to get."
Immediately after I moved Patches to the same farm, Patches and Sierra became buddies, and when Patches came running to me, Sierra did too.
Well, it didn't take long before Aiden heard about Patches and I, besides the fact HIS horse came running to me with my horse. He just HAD to meet me.
We hit it off and Aiden had the best excuse ever to ask for my phone number. He needed to know when I would be coming to the farm so he could get Sierra much easier.
Soon we began riding together, then getting coffee or dinner afterwards. Neither of us had to be worried if we smelled horsey, because we both did.
Obviously people really did double takes when they saw this 4'3" Little Lady with a 5'11" man. More so when it became obvious we were in love.
Aiden was The One.
Tragically he died in a freak accident unrelated to horses. One never really gets over something like that, and I never have. I did find a way though to keep going, because that's what I always do.
They say it is better to have loved and lost, than never to have loved at all. And for that I am deeply grateful.
My dear ones, all that remains from all we are is the love we lived.
Live love and cherish love.
The day Secretariat and I met...
Sometimes if we just put ourselves out there, the most amazing things can be ours to treasure.
As far as I know, at least from the era of horse racing legend Man O' War, if one had a way with horses here in Kentucky, they were referred to as having "The Magic." Today, this is usually referred to as one being a "horse whisperer."
Without a doubt, I knew there was Magic between my horses and I, but it wasn't until I met Secretariat, and shown in a very extraordinary way, I had Magic with other horses too. Even very famous ones.
Secretariat was indeed a racing legend, winning the 1973 Triple Crown of American horse racing, shattering records in all three of the Triple Crown races that year. However, it was the way he won the Belmont that made him a legend. He won by an astounding 31 lengths! It was unbelievable then, and still is now...for quite often horse races are won by noses and necks. Not an astounding 31 lengths!
After Secretariat retired from racing, he came to the beautiful Claiborne Horse Farm in Bourbon County Kentucky. Many MANY came to see him through the years before he became seriously ill in 1989, with the extremely painful hoof inflammation disease known as laminitis...and had to be put down. He had reached the point where he was really suffering, and no respectable farm wants that for legends or not. So at age nineteen, Secretariat galloped away leaving all who loved him in his dust.
Several years after he retired, a friend and I made the journey to see him one day. About twenty others were there too and we got in line. A semi-retired staff member was there to make sure all went well. And he needed to be there this day, for Secretariat did not appear in the mood to have visitors come to his stall. He was throwing his ears back and trying to bite each person who stood before him hoping to touch him!
My turn came. Suddenly, he pricked his ears forward, then lowered his head to my level. I began stroking his forehead and rubbing beneath his cheekbones, which horses love, and he half closed his eyes. The staff member exclaimed in awe, "You...have The Magic!"
I could only nod, because I had a huge lump in my throat. Something very special was happening here.
Since others were waiting to see Secretariat too, I had to move on. I whispered, "thank you," to him, and slowly moved away.
As soon as the poor lady next in line moved before him, he suddenly raised his head up, threw his ears back, and lunged trying to take a bite out of her...and continued the same with the rest. Secretariat loved attention. He just was not in the mood for it that day. Horses have their good days and bad days too.
While my friend and I were taking in what had just happened, we saw our dear staff person tell other Farm employees what he had just witnessed, pointing my way and exclaiming, "She's the one with The Magic!" No one even mentioned I was a Little Person...only that I have The Magic, and that, meant so much to me.
It took Secretariat to show me I not only had The Magic with my own horses, but perhaps all. And for me, this was a gift to treasure forever.
Have courage to put yourselves out there, dear ones, for the world awaits you with amazing treasures.
As far as I know, at least from the era of horse racing legend Man O' War, if one had a way with horses here in Kentucky, they were referred to as having "The Magic." Today, this is usually referred to as one being a "horse whisperer."
Without a doubt, I knew there was Magic between my horses and I, but it wasn't until I met Secretariat, and shown in a very extraordinary way, I had Magic with other horses too. Even very famous ones.
Secretariat was indeed a racing legend, winning the 1973 Triple Crown of American horse racing, shattering records in all three of the Triple Crown races that year. However, it was the way he won the Belmont that made him a legend. He won by an astounding 31 lengths! It was unbelievable then, and still is now...for quite often horse races are won by noses and necks. Not an astounding 31 lengths!
After Secretariat retired from racing, he came to the beautiful Claiborne Horse Farm in Bourbon County Kentucky. Many MANY came to see him through the years before he became seriously ill in 1989, with the extremely painful hoof inflammation disease known as laminitis...and had to be put down. He had reached the point where he was really suffering, and no respectable farm wants that for legends or not. So at age nineteen, Secretariat galloped away leaving all who loved him in his dust.
Several years after he retired, a friend and I made the journey to see him one day. About twenty others were there too and we got in line. A semi-retired staff member was there to make sure all went well. And he needed to be there this day, for Secretariat did not appear in the mood to have visitors come to his stall. He was throwing his ears back and trying to bite each person who stood before him hoping to touch him!
My turn came. Suddenly, he pricked his ears forward, then lowered his head to my level. I began stroking his forehead and rubbing beneath his cheekbones, which horses love, and he half closed his eyes. The staff member exclaimed in awe, "You...have The Magic!"
I could only nod, because I had a huge lump in my throat. Something very special was happening here.
Since others were waiting to see Secretariat too, I had to move on. I whispered, "thank you," to him, and slowly moved away.
As soon as the poor lady next in line moved before him, he suddenly raised his head up, threw his ears back, and lunged trying to take a bite out of her...and continued the same with the rest. Secretariat loved attention. He just was not in the mood for it that day. Horses have their good days and bad days too.
While my friend and I were taking in what had just happened, we saw our dear staff person tell other Farm employees what he had just witnessed, pointing my way and exclaiming, "She's the one with The Magic!" No one even mentioned I was a Little Person...only that I have The Magic, and that, meant so much to me.
It took Secretariat to show me I not only had The Magic with my own horses, but perhaps all. And for me, this was a gift to treasure forever.
Have courage to put yourselves out there, dear ones, for the world awaits you with amazing treasures.
Friday, February 14, 2020
The funniest Baptism in history, Part II...
Just as Ron and I thought we were getting some semblance of control and dignity, we could first hear Jackie trying to stifle her unique loud laugh, followed by others who were losing it. Then WE began losing it. And this was a baptism! I could only hope God was enjoying this. He had to be fallng over laughing.
As Ron kept me from popping out of the water, he carefully pushed me to the other side to get out. It didn't end there though. Remember the expanse of robe? As I was climbing out and reached the step before the top, part of the robe got caught on a nail sticking out and I got stuck. So as poor Ron was trying to seriously speak to the congregation, out of the corner of his eye he could see I was stuck....good and stuck. Not only that, he could tell I was totally dissolved in laughter.
Jackie said they could tell something else crazy had happened.
Bless his heart though, somehow he was able to quickly wrap up what he was saying. Only he couldn't exit my way because I was still partly in the water and stuck on a nail. He had to go the other way then hurry around to help me get out, but it was difficult you see. We were both in hysterics. And he still had to deliver a sermon!
We finally got me out and he went on his way. With all that wet robe I somehow made it to the change area. I thought it best not to join Jackie and the congregation, until after the service. With good reason. We might all lose control laughing.
That had to be the funniest baptism in history. Jackie said it could only happen to me.
Ohhh, yes!
Decades later they were still talking about that baptism.
As Ron kept me from popping out of the water, he carefully pushed me to the other side to get out. It didn't end there though. Remember the expanse of robe? As I was climbing out and reached the step before the top, part of the robe got caught on a nail sticking out and I got stuck. So as poor Ron was trying to seriously speak to the congregation, out of the corner of his eye he could see I was stuck....good and stuck. Not only that, he could tell I was totally dissolved in laughter.
Jackie said they could tell something else crazy had happened.
Bless his heart though, somehow he was able to quickly wrap up what he was saying. Only he couldn't exit my way because I was still partly in the water and stuck on a nail. He had to go the other way then hurry around to help me get out, but it was difficult you see. We were both in hysterics. And he still had to deliver a sermon!
We finally got me out and he went on his way. With all that wet robe I somehow made it to the change area. I thought it best not to join Jackie and the congregation, until after the service. With good reason. We might all lose control laughing.
That had to be the funniest baptism in history. Jackie said it could only happen to me.
Ohhh, yes!
Decades later they were still talking about that baptism.
The funniest Baptism in history...
Though my family did not go to church, from early childhood on, I believed in God and treasure a loving God as I believe Him to be.
At age nineteen I began going to a dear church in the country, and was baptized. It really was a very profound experience...but...BUT...sometimes the most hilarious unexpected things can happen to me. Remember this...I am very buoyant in water.
I had become close friends with the pastor and his family, for we were the same age, and in school with many expenses. Often on Sunday nights I would join them for fried egg and ketchup sandwiches while we shared hopes, tears, laughter, and dreams.
Several others were being baptized the same day I was, with a packed church. This was a full immersion baptism, so the water was 3' deep. I LOVE WATER. Oceans, swimming pools, lakes, creeks, I am in!
The church had just gotten new white baptism robes...mine being 7" longer than me. And did I say I am very buoyant in water?
I was last. I gathered as much of the excess robe in my hand as I could and stepped in...before the packed church watching, including my dear friend Jackie, who could laugh loud...really loud.
When I reached bottom the water quickly made me pop up like a cork, as a HUGE expanse of white material began rising to the top.
By this time I was floating and trying to look in control at the same time. Ron could immediately see we were rapidly losing control...both in the water, and trying not to laugh. Nevertheless, we had to continue. He managed to guide me over to him, and asked the right questions I responded to, and then...AND THEN...came the moment to dip my head beneath the water by laying me backwards...not good. Remember I am very buoyant now with a HUGE expanse of white robe?
Ron laid me back and before he could react my legs went flying out of the water straight up in the air. By the way, I should say I thankfully did have a bathing suit on.
He first had to raise my head back up, then quickly managed to put my legs back down, but white robe material was everywhere floating and I had to grab onto him to keep from popping out again.
So much for being in control. We lost it.
Please continue to see what happens...
At age nineteen I began going to a dear church in the country, and was baptized. It really was a very profound experience...but...BUT...sometimes the most hilarious unexpected things can happen to me. Remember this...I am very buoyant in water.
I had become close friends with the pastor and his family, for we were the same age, and in school with many expenses. Often on Sunday nights I would join them for fried egg and ketchup sandwiches while we shared hopes, tears, laughter, and dreams.
Several others were being baptized the same day I was, with a packed church. This was a full immersion baptism, so the water was 3' deep. I LOVE WATER. Oceans, swimming pools, lakes, creeks, I am in!
The church had just gotten new white baptism robes...mine being 7" longer than me. And did I say I am very buoyant in water?
I was last. I gathered as much of the excess robe in my hand as I could and stepped in...before the packed church watching, including my dear friend Jackie, who could laugh loud...really loud.
When I reached bottom the water quickly made me pop up like a cork, as a HUGE expanse of white material began rising to the top.
By this time I was floating and trying to look in control at the same time. Ron could immediately see we were rapidly losing control...both in the water, and trying not to laugh. Nevertheless, we had to continue. He managed to guide me over to him, and asked the right questions I responded to, and then...AND THEN...came the moment to dip my head beneath the water by laying me backwards...not good. Remember I am very buoyant now with a HUGE expanse of white robe?
Ron laid me back and before he could react my legs went flying out of the water straight up in the air. By the way, I should say I thankfully did have a bathing suit on.
He first had to raise my head back up, then quickly managed to put my legs back down, but white robe material was everywhere floating and I had to grab onto him to keep from popping out again.
So much for being in control. We lost it.
Please continue to see what happens...
Thursday, February 13, 2020
The Goldfish Caper, Part II
Our first priority was to make absolutely sure no goldfish would be harmed in any way. Since we were confined to the ward, we had to enlist our friends "on the outside" to help. And it all had to be done secretly.
First, I had a friend get a large glass bowl for the fish, besides a decanter, which resembled a glass I.V. bottle. I painted numbers on so it would appear real. Michael was able to get his hands on some I.V. tubing.
Then Michael had a friend get two goldfish and food. We were ready.
The next morning we got Michael situated when the doctors came to make their rounds on the ward. I expressed concern to them that Michael wasn't doing well at all. They entered his room. Saw him "miserably" hunkered down in his bed. Concerned, they asked what was wrong.
"Doctors, I feel very scaly inside," said Michael.
That's when they suddenly caught sight of the goldfish in the I.V. bottle. I don't think I have ever seen doctors laugh so hard, and then applaud us. They loved it! We were immediate heroes of the ward for the kids. It even rallied some. Soon the whole place heard what we did.
I treasure the memory of this, because Michael later lost his fight. We had talked about death and dying late nights when the ward was quiet. For at night was the time to stare deeply at our hopes and fears and talk.
This has been another one of those "deeper the sorrow, the more joy" moments of many on my journey, for had I not been so ill with plummeting blood counts, I never would have known Michael.
And never had the "Goldfish Caper."
Oh, and the two goldfish? They blissfully lived a long time on the ward. I later heard the nurses had named them Michael and Adelaide.
First, I had a friend get a large glass bowl for the fish, besides a decanter, which resembled a glass I.V. bottle. I painted numbers on so it would appear real. Michael was able to get his hands on some I.V. tubing.
Then Michael had a friend get two goldfish and food. We were ready.
The next morning we got Michael situated when the doctors came to make their rounds on the ward. I expressed concern to them that Michael wasn't doing well at all. They entered his room. Saw him "miserably" hunkered down in his bed. Concerned, they asked what was wrong.
"Doctors, I feel very scaly inside," said Michael.
That's when they suddenly caught sight of the goldfish in the I.V. bottle. I don't think I have ever seen doctors laugh so hard, and then applaud us. They loved it! We were immediate heroes of the ward for the kids. It even rallied some. Soon the whole place heard what we did.
I treasure the memory of this, because Michael later lost his fight. We had talked about death and dying late nights when the ward was quiet. For at night was the time to stare deeply at our hopes and fears and talk.
This has been another one of those "deeper the sorrow, the more joy" moments of many on my journey, for had I not been so ill with plummeting blood counts, I never would have known Michael.
And never had the "Goldfish Caper."
Oh, and the two goldfish? They blissfully lived a long time on the ward. I later heard the nurses had named them Michael and Adelaide.
The Goldfish Caper...
Sometimes when one is hospitalized for a long period, one can make a friend for a lifetime. When my blood counts were plunging out of control, my doctors wanted to try a new drug that went into the bone marrow. So I was admitted to a pediatric cancer ward in my twenties.
However, there was another young man my age named Michael, who was battling leukemia, like most on the ward, much younger than us. We immediately bonded and became the "pied pipers" of the ward.
Years prior to this I had read the beautiful book written by Doris Lund, detailing her amazing son's leukemia battle. Eric was diagnosed at 17, fought hard, yet died age 22, in 1972.
One of the things Eric did once while hospitalized for a long while, was to put a live goldfish in what looked like a glass I.V. bottle...then attach a line which appeared to go in his arm. When his team of doctors came in, they saw him uncharacteristically hunkered down in bed. They asked what was wrong. Eric replied, "I'm feeling very scaly. " That's when the doctors then noticed the goldfish, and loved it.
So this brings it back to Michael and I...
When we both weren't desperately ill from the treatments we were getting, we found ways to keep ourselves going, and the whole ward going, with courage and laughter. Since the ward was kept in very sterle conditions we were isolated, so moments of laughter in the midst of hell could go a long way.
One day I told Michael about Eric, and that was all it took. We had to try to do what we then called the Goldfish Caper. In the Blog ahead will be what happened...
However, there was another young man my age named Michael, who was battling leukemia, like most on the ward, much younger than us. We immediately bonded and became the "pied pipers" of the ward.
Years prior to this I had read the beautiful book written by Doris Lund, detailing her amazing son's leukemia battle. Eric was diagnosed at 17, fought hard, yet died age 22, in 1972.
One of the things Eric did once while hospitalized for a long while, was to put a live goldfish in what looked like a glass I.V. bottle...then attach a line which appeared to go in his arm. When his team of doctors came in, they saw him uncharacteristically hunkered down in bed. They asked what was wrong. Eric replied, "I'm feeling very scaly. " That's when the doctors then noticed the goldfish, and loved it.
So this brings it back to Michael and I...
When we both weren't desperately ill from the treatments we were getting, we found ways to keep ourselves going, and the whole ward going, with courage and laughter. Since the ward was kept in very sterle conditions we were isolated, so moments of laughter in the midst of hell could go a long way.
One day I told Michael about Eric, and that was all it took. We had to try to do what we then called the Goldfish Caper. In the Blog ahead will be what happened...
Wednesday, February 12, 2020
Begins with a single step...
A few moments after Dr. McKusick and Dr. Kopits spoke, Dr, Kopits came to me and asked if he could take me on as a patient, and would I be willing to wait and see him after he finished with his other patients. WOW...like I had anywhere ELSE to go?!! "Yes!"
We had this conversation around 9:45 A.M. I was his last patient and saw him around 7:30 P.M. and absolutely did not mind. One of the very first questions he asked was, "Please tell me, HOW do you get ON your horse?!!"
He had all my records and at first, could not believe I was able to walk again following the bleed out and hematoma paralysis of my most recent spine surgery. With his nurse he spent over an hour with me. We also discussed the new spine pain I was experiencing, which turned out to be the arachnoiditis.
Dr. Kopits asked if I could remain in Baltimore for at least four weeks. Financially, I told him there was no way I possibly could. He said, "Wait a moment," and made a call.
Where Dr. Kopits was staffed at the hospital in Towson, Maryland, the hospital had a Ronald McDonald kind of house on the property just for the patients and families of Dr. Kopits. He secured a room for me.
Since neither Dr. Kopits, his nurse, or myself had eaten all day, he wanted to take us out to eat. Hours earlier I wasn't even his patient...hadn't even met him before, and with his nurse, I had been asked to join him for dinner! All because I took a step of courage.
The specially designed House I stayed in, had low sinks, toilets, bathtubs, etc. just for a little person 3' tall. It was amazing. I had to actually get on my knees when at the sink! For the first time in my entire life I felt what it was like to be "tall."
My first Saturday in Baltimore, Dr. Kopits came and watched the Preakness horse race with me. He hadn't seen it before!
I was seen by many doctors, including a renown hematologist, and underwent many tests. One in particular not only revealed the arachnoiditis, but the severity of it. And my blood counts were still out of control, necessitating many transfusions. This is when Dr. Kopits asked if I could move to Maryland. There was no doubt my physical future would be a very daunting one, and it grieved him.
He was a dear man...an incredible man, and a very gifted orthopaedic surgeon who deeply cared about all his patients and was beloved by all. Sadly, in 2003, after a courageous fight, Dr. Kopits succumbed to a brain tumor.
If I did not have the courage to take that step of a thousand miles to make it to Baltimore, I never would have known many things about my medical journey. And most of all, never would have known such an amazing doctor.
Have courage dear ones, to take that single step.
We had this conversation around 9:45 A.M. I was his last patient and saw him around 7:30 P.M. and absolutely did not mind. One of the very first questions he asked was, "Please tell me, HOW do you get ON your horse?!!"
He had all my records and at first, could not believe I was able to walk again following the bleed out and hematoma paralysis of my most recent spine surgery. With his nurse he spent over an hour with me. We also discussed the new spine pain I was experiencing, which turned out to be the arachnoiditis.
Dr. Kopits asked if I could remain in Baltimore for at least four weeks. Financially, I told him there was no way I possibly could. He said, "Wait a moment," and made a call.
Where Dr. Kopits was staffed at the hospital in Towson, Maryland, the hospital had a Ronald McDonald kind of house on the property just for the patients and families of Dr. Kopits. He secured a room for me.
Since neither Dr. Kopits, his nurse, or myself had eaten all day, he wanted to take us out to eat. Hours earlier I wasn't even his patient...hadn't even met him before, and with his nurse, I had been asked to join him for dinner! All because I took a step of courage.
The specially designed House I stayed in, had low sinks, toilets, bathtubs, etc. just for a little person 3' tall. It was amazing. I had to actually get on my knees when at the sink! For the first time in my entire life I felt what it was like to be "tall."
My first Saturday in Baltimore, Dr. Kopits came and watched the Preakness horse race with me. He hadn't seen it before!
I was seen by many doctors, including a renown hematologist, and underwent many tests. One in particular not only revealed the arachnoiditis, but the severity of it. And my blood counts were still out of control, necessitating many transfusions. This is when Dr. Kopits asked if I could move to Maryland. There was no doubt my physical future would be a very daunting one, and it grieved him.
He was a dear man...an incredible man, and a very gifted orthopaedic surgeon who deeply cared about all his patients and was beloved by all. Sadly, in 2003, after a courageous fight, Dr. Kopits succumbed to a brain tumor.
If I did not have the courage to take that step of a thousand miles to make it to Baltimore, I never would have known many things about my medical journey. And most of all, never would have known such an amazing doctor.
Have courage dear ones, to take that single step.
The journey of a thousand miles...
The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step. -Lao Tzu
The journey of a thousand miles actually begins with having the courage TO take that first single step.
There are approximately 200 types of dwarfism with Achondroplasia being the most common. Almost all obviously affect the bone structure, cartilage, and connective tissues...with 4'10" the maximum amount of height.
Eighty percent of us come from families with no history of dwarfism whatsoever, as in my case.
However, the jury is still out on which type of dwarfism I have...though I certainly have some of the Achondroplasia characteristics. In fact, how I met Dr. Kopits and became his patient, was because I had an appointment to see his colleague, the dear geneticist Dr. McKusick at Johns-Hopkins. Though I recovered from the bleed out and paralysis during my most recent spine surgery at that time, I was having severe problems with plummeting blood counts. My doctors were hoping if we could nail down which type of dwarfism I have, we could possibly solve the blood count issues. Also learn if other Little People had the same problem.
The only thing was though, I had just been in the hospital for months while learning to walk again, missed work all that time, and gone through what savings I had. I didn't know yet how I was going to get to Baltimore, and stay for one day and two nights. With a courageous leap of faith, I took that single step anyway, and made the arrangements needed. The next day I found a envelope someone put under my door. An anonymous donor provided the airline ticket and the money to cover the room near Johns-Hopkins.
Dr. Kopits was such an extraordinary doctor for Little People, he had a waiting list of one to two years. When I scheduled my appointment for Dr. McKusick, I learned it just happened to be a day Dr. Kopits was at Johns-Hopkins seeing patients. I was hopeful to simply get to meet him.
I flew to Baltimore, and saw Dr. McKusick early the next morning. As soon as I saw him, he got very excited. He immediately noticed my hands, feet, and longish extremities. Remember, I hadn't met any other Little People yet to know I was "unique" in this way. Besides being on the "tall" side of dwarfism, my hands and feet are average size. I can wear regular shoes. Many Little People cannot and my heart aches for them deeply.
Dr. McKusick flipped out when he learned I played the piano, was an artist, and Theatre Set Designer.
And then...AND THEN...when he learned I owned and rode horses, his jaw dropped. At that point, he suddenly got up, grabbed my hand, and began dragging me (I had to go with my hand) for his colleagues to see. And you guessed it...one of those just happened to be Dr. Kopits.
"Steven! Look! Look at her hands and feet!" Dr. McKusick said. "She plays the piano and she's an artist! And SHE OWNS AND RIDES HORSES BAREBACK!"
Before Dr. McKusick dragged me on, I managed to say to Dr. Kopits with laughter, "I had hoped to...oops! Gotta go! So happy to meet youuu!"
Dear sweet Dr. McKusick...when he completed his impromptu show and tell, had me sit down in the busy corridor. After he walked away, Dr. Kopits and he began talking together...and looking my way.
The next blog will have what happened...
The journey of a thousand miles actually begins with having the courage TO take that first single step.
There are approximately 200 types of dwarfism with Achondroplasia being the most common. Almost all obviously affect the bone structure, cartilage, and connective tissues...with 4'10" the maximum amount of height.
Eighty percent of us come from families with no history of dwarfism whatsoever, as in my case.
However, the jury is still out on which type of dwarfism I have...though I certainly have some of the Achondroplasia characteristics. In fact, how I met Dr. Kopits and became his patient, was because I had an appointment to see his colleague, the dear geneticist Dr. McKusick at Johns-Hopkins. Though I recovered from the bleed out and paralysis during my most recent spine surgery at that time, I was having severe problems with plummeting blood counts. My doctors were hoping if we could nail down which type of dwarfism I have, we could possibly solve the blood count issues. Also learn if other Little People had the same problem.
The only thing was though, I had just been in the hospital for months while learning to walk again, missed work all that time, and gone through what savings I had. I didn't know yet how I was going to get to Baltimore, and stay for one day and two nights. With a courageous leap of faith, I took that single step anyway, and made the arrangements needed. The next day I found a envelope someone put under my door. An anonymous donor provided the airline ticket and the money to cover the room near Johns-Hopkins.
Dr. Kopits was such an extraordinary doctor for Little People, he had a waiting list of one to two years. When I scheduled my appointment for Dr. McKusick, I learned it just happened to be a day Dr. Kopits was at Johns-Hopkins seeing patients. I was hopeful to simply get to meet him.
I flew to Baltimore, and saw Dr. McKusick early the next morning. As soon as I saw him, he got very excited. He immediately noticed my hands, feet, and longish extremities. Remember, I hadn't met any other Little People yet to know I was "unique" in this way. Besides being on the "tall" side of dwarfism, my hands and feet are average size. I can wear regular shoes. Many Little People cannot and my heart aches for them deeply.
Dr. McKusick flipped out when he learned I played the piano, was an artist, and Theatre Set Designer.
And then...AND THEN...when he learned I owned and rode horses, his jaw dropped. At that point, he suddenly got up, grabbed my hand, and began dragging me (I had to go with my hand) for his colleagues to see. And you guessed it...one of those just happened to be Dr. Kopits.
"Steven! Look! Look at her hands and feet!" Dr. McKusick said. "She plays the piano and she's an artist! And SHE OWNS AND RIDES HORSES BAREBACK!"
Before Dr. McKusick dragged me on, I managed to say to Dr. Kopits with laughter, "I had hoped to...oops! Gotta go! So happy to meet youuu!"
Dear sweet Dr. McKusick...when he completed his impromptu show and tell, had me sit down in the busy corridor. After he walked away, Dr. Kopits and he began talking together...and looking my way.
The next blog will have what happened...
Tuesday, February 11, 2020
One of those touch of wonder moments in life...
Along the way now and then, I have been blessed with those bright, amazing touch of wonder moments. Rare moments, which happen out of the blue.
Not long after Patches came into my life, I had yet another spine surgery. Through no fault of my dear surgeon, everything went wrong. I suddenly began bleeding out thirteen hours in. Immediately following eighteen hours of surgery, a huge hematoma formed on my spinal cord and began pressing on it. I was becoming paralyzed. My surgeon rushed back in, and it took another three hours to remove the hematoma. Twenty-one hours in surgery that day!
Days later on Christmas Day in ICU, we discovered I still had a tiny bit of movement in a few of my toes. For all I was worth I focused on my toes until they ALL began moving. Then my feet...legs. I had a life I wanted to get back to!
The spine surgery was the week before Christmas. It was Spring when I finally reached the place where I could walk with a cane instead of a walker. I wondered if Patches would still remember me. He was only six months old when I "disappeared," and now he was ten months old!
One bright Sunday, friends from the farm offered to take me with them out to the farm since I still couldn't drive.
The farm was busy that day. I was so touched because many had come out when they heard I was going to be there, and we were all thrilled to finally see each other again.
I saw Patches way off in the distance high on a hill. Someone offered to go get him for me.
"Thank you...first, please wait just a moment," I said.
I cupped my hands and called his name. Suddenly, his head shot up and he began excitedly looking around as if he couldn't believe what he was hearing. I called again, and waved my arms.
All of a sudden he loudly neighed, and began flying down that field. Then he briefly disappeared into the small grove of trees. Suddenly Patches burst out the other side at full gallop charging up the hill, at the same time so excited, he was trying to neigh but squeaked.
EVERYTHING but Patches stopped right where they were watching. Hard bitten men were wiping tears from their eyes. All the horses even stopped and watched. We all realized we were witnessing something very beautiful and magical.
Patches slammed to a stop a few feet from me, then walked up to me happily rubbing his head up and down me again and again. Oh my, did he ever remember me!
This...was indeed...one of those amazing...rare, "touch of wonder" gems in life to hold forever.
Not long after Patches came into my life, I had yet another spine surgery. Through no fault of my dear surgeon, everything went wrong. I suddenly began bleeding out thirteen hours in. Immediately following eighteen hours of surgery, a huge hematoma formed on my spinal cord and began pressing on it. I was becoming paralyzed. My surgeon rushed back in, and it took another three hours to remove the hematoma. Twenty-one hours in surgery that day!
Days later on Christmas Day in ICU, we discovered I still had a tiny bit of movement in a few of my toes. For all I was worth I focused on my toes until they ALL began moving. Then my feet...legs. I had a life I wanted to get back to!
The spine surgery was the week before Christmas. It was Spring when I finally reached the place where I could walk with a cane instead of a walker. I wondered if Patches would still remember me. He was only six months old when I "disappeared," and now he was ten months old!
The farm was busy that day. I was so touched because many had come out when they heard I was going to be there, and we were all thrilled to finally see each other again.
I saw Patches way off in the distance high on a hill. Someone offered to go get him for me.
"Thank you...first, please wait just a moment," I said.
I cupped my hands and called his name. Suddenly, his head shot up and he began excitedly looking around as if he couldn't believe what he was hearing. I called again, and waved my arms.
All of a sudden he loudly neighed, and began flying down that field. Then he briefly disappeared into the small grove of trees. Suddenly Patches burst out the other side at full gallop charging up the hill, at the same time so excited, he was trying to neigh but squeaked.
EVERYTHING but Patches stopped right where they were watching. Hard bitten men were wiping tears from their eyes. All the horses even stopped and watched. We all realized we were witnessing something very beautiful and magical.
Patches slammed to a stop a few feet from me, then walked up to me happily rubbing his head up and down me again and again. Oh my, did he ever remember me!
This...was indeed...one of those amazing...rare, "touch of wonder" gems in life to hold forever.
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