Wow, Well Im getting all teary eyed here, and are not entirely sure how to respond.
What I will say is that I have never kept my slight impediment a secret, I just dont talk about much, It really doesnt matter to me. Obviously though it does to some, I joke about it occasionally in a subtle way and sometimes this is picked up by diligent readers of my posts. Well spotted Erick, yes that is one of my jokes.. Herioc though , no I dont think so unless you are refering to how this came about in the first place, but thats another story...
Ive allways wanted my efforts to be judged without pity and the same support volunteered as would be volunteered to any other, this forum for example and its members has been a marvelous support tool for project and myself at times, And I have learnt that with all the best intentions folk do tend to assume that a bloke with one hand is handicapped, and thus go out of there way to help him in areas that are not really required, whilst this is a noble thing it is not help, it is more often a display of pity. I have spent a good portion of my life trying not to put people in this position.
When something like this happens to an individual you have choices as to how to deal with it, I think I went a little over the top and set out to prove that this was no impediment, and embarked on a 20 year spree of doing things that two handed folk would question as being rational. Certainly more fruitful than wallowing in self pity and resentment. Now its history, and I really think nothing of it, although I still have trouble with shoe laces..
I am deeply touched by Alex,s openening post and really do appreciate anybody else that has posted a message of support and encouragement. We are all freinds here I hope, and this little cat being let out I hope will change nothing...
Yours in humiliation
Shawn
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