Friday, Special Olympics and Me

Had the day off from work today, yet I did not stay all curled up in bed. Nope. Did not have cats cut off my circulation because they curled so night. Nope. Instead I volunttered for a Special Olympics bowling event. Was there all day. Exhilirating, feet hurt, yet humble experience. In the morning session, I worked with seven little girls who were capable to pick up and throw the ball down the lane, yet all with special needs. I tied shoes, shot them a look to sit down, persuaded a girl to put back ON her shoes, because she was tired and hi-fived till my hand went numb. :) The afternoon session, I was responsible for 5 girls on two lanes. They were a little older, the oldest being 19 and all used ramps to get ball down the lane. All needed help to get to the line. The girls then pushed the ball down the ramp--with a little help from family or coaches. Two were in wheelchairs, another was 14 yrs old and mute, while another girl's mom came up to me and said her daughter "can't see." I looked at mom and told her I had trouble hearing at times, because I was born with one ear. She smiled at that. Her daughter wound up scoring the highest out of the five. :) ***I was born with microtia, which is usually a malformed or no ear. I do not have a left ear. Only a piece of a lobe. I do not know if my folks ever thought of reconstructive surgery. My mom passed while I was so young. I don't remember asking my dad when I got older. It was just my little ear. I remember all the hearing tests, and can she, will she be able to learn? My grades were more than average in grade school--some exceptional. I've been in contact with those with microtia and even parents who wondered if their kids would be 'normal'. The ultimate choice is with that family for surgery, however I stress it is whatever their child's normal turns out to be, is their child's--also, I inform them I took dance and piano lesson. The missing of an ear, or any limb, does not mean you can't still be a productive person. You make your *****That's what I thought of the couple hundred kids, young adults and their parents I had the pleasure to meet today. At the end of the it all, parents thanked me and told they were glad I was there. I made their bowling experience a good one. I nearly cried. I told them they all made MY day a good one.*****Special Olympics are indeed special and make for a great, great day!

Microtia and me

I was born without a left ear.

There's a piece of skin, where a lobe may have started to form. I was told I my have all the inside workings, yet no outside ear. Don't know if surgery was ever to be had to build an outside ear-unfortunately, my mom passed before anything was done, and I didn't really talk about it to my dad.

I just accepted it.

In school, always be seated up front and to the teacher's right. Some of my friends accuse me of having selective hearing. :) Sometimes that is true. However, in others, like in a crowd and/or you're on my left--I tell the people straight up, if I don't hear you. Please touch my arm, something, that I know you're there. Not really trying to ignore you.....well.....:)

OK--moms have e-mailed me, afraid their babies won't be normal if they don't have surgery. It really demends on how you define 'normal'. I explained to one mom, who's son wasn't quite a year old, that I can only speak for myself. I did all the 'normal' kid things. Took dance lessons, piano lessons, rode bikes, yakked phone with my best friends, had crushes on boys, learned to drive, drank with my friends, partied with my friends, and grew up and bought a house. Sure, I took, what seemed like daily hearing tests and worked with a speech pathologist all through grade and some middle school. I HATED that. Annoyed, especially because my speech was fine.

In my early 20's, I cut my hair the shortest it had ever been. My left ear was all exposed. Felt naked. Folks that grew up with me asked--"Did you get your ear cut off?" I had to laugh. "Nope, just born that way." They never knew. Sure, there were some stares. I finally got to the point of, "And?" I was happy since I had little to do with my hair!

Now, I get asked if I would consider surgery? At this point in my life--I kinda doubt it. Maybe if I was younger. I don't know. I've adapted to my situation. I know technology is improved--so I suggest to people they look at all the facts before opting for surgery. There are things I miss, yet I ask people to repeat. I could have two good ears and ask that!

A college student e-mailed and said girls were fascinated by him. He pierced his little ear. The girls always wanted to touch it. I told him if he didn't like it--tell them to stop. He admitted it wasn't that bad! :)

Am I normal? Depends on your definition of normal. I'm sure my house note people think I'm normal enough to pay them every month. My cats think I'm normal to feed and take care of them. I'm normal because I still turn up "Rock n Roll All Night, and Party Every Day" by KISS -did you know KISS member, Paul Stanley was also born with microtia?--I know for sure I'm normal because my God made me.