24. July 2009 by Colton.

Today I had golf lessons. My instructor was very helpful. At the end of my lesson I could almost hit the golf ball with the seven iron as far as I could with my driver! It was very productive. When I got in, my instructor told me nothing but to just swing without a ball or any help from him. He video taped it and showed me my swing, it was not like a normal swing should be. After he helped me fix my form he video taped me. I could see a whole lot of improvement in my swing. I was also able to golf it a lot longer when I fixed my form.

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2. July 2009 by Colton.

The other day, my Mom and I were having breakfast at our favorite breakfast place. Sitting across from us were two middle aged women who were also having breakfast. As we were eating, my mother noticed one of the women staring at me.  She then said to the woman she was with, ’Kids these days. They have no manners at all. That boy over there is chewing with his mouth open and holding his fork like this’  (and she proceeded to imitate the way I grasp my fork).  My mom was furious.  She stood right up and walked over to their table, informing them that I have Cerebral Palsy and cannot coordinate chewing, swallowing and breathing at the same time which is why I cannot close my mouth entirely when I chew.  She also informed them that my disability impacts my fine motor coordination as well, and that I hold my fork the way I do NOT because I have bad manners, but because it is the only way I am able to grasp it in order to avoid spastic tremors in my hands. If I held my fork the proper way, my hands would shake so bad that my food would go flying!  She told them that I was a very well mannered kid, and that I have had to work hard my entire life to be able to do the things I am able to do today.  She suggested that in the future, the woman refrain from casting judgements on other people, especially when she doesn’t know the circumstances.  My Mom also reminded her that not everyone has been blessed with the abilities that we often take for granted. 

I felt bad for my Mom, because she had tears in her eyes when she returned to the table.  As we were leaving, she stopped at their table once again, and handed each of the two women my business card for ColtonCares.com.  She said maybe there will be one less ignorant person in the world. 

The situation frustrated me because the people shouldn’t speculate if they do not know the situation. I cannot chew while keeping my mouth closed.  Aside from being unable to coordinate chewing, swallowing and breathing at the same time, my tongue has limited mobility, so I have trouble manipulating food in my mouth.  I cannot hold my fork properly but that is because of my Cerebral Palsy, not because of my manners.  I know how it is supposed to be held, but my hands just can’t hold it that way!  It can be embarrassing, but I do the best I can.  When I get frustrated by my own imperfections, or aggravated by other people’s comments, I remind myself that I am lucky.  Some kids cannot feed themselves, even in their own adaptive ways like mine.  I am not angry at those women, because if I didn’t have CP, it would be bad manners to chew with my mouth open or hold my fork the way I hold it.  I just hope they stop to think next time, and maybe give someone the benefit of the doubt before casting judgement.  Things aren’t always the way they appear to be…

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