A change is coming. A pretty big one, in fact. In four short days, I will have undergone a sheer metamorphosis. I’m trying not to sound too dramatic here, but it’s a pretty significant metamorphosis. My birthday. The passing of another year and the welcoming (albeit, with some trepidation) of a new age. 28.
And the arrival of this birthday has brought to my attention the fact that I haven’t shared some of the most glorious things about my disability. As the saying goes, “You think you know, but you have no idea…..” But you know I’m going to show you. Here are the Top 10 things you probably don’t know about my disability, Freeman-Sheldon Syndrome. On a side note, if you happened to come across a pamphlet describing my disability in the ‘80s, you’d see me beaming in a brilliantly colored photo; that was beginning of my modeling days, actually.
I think I make my disability look pretty interesting. Really. I’m sort of a walking-talking Discovery Health Channel special. People always ask me “Don’t you wish you could walk?” That is one of the questions that always perplexes me. I feel like asking them, “Do you wish you wish you had a third leg?” because that’s how preposterous their question sounds to me. I’ve lived my entire life with this disability; it’s the only life I’ve ever known. Can you miss something you’ve never had? I don’t think so. True, sometimes I wonder what it would be like to run through the sprinkler on a hot July afternoon, or what it feel like to jog along Lake Michigan, but there’s a big difference between the two. Wondering is not the same as wishing. This is my life. This is my normal. And these are the best of the best of my normal:
1. It’s not contagious; and it won’t give you Cooties, either.
2. It’s given me a punchy sense of humor.
3. I was once hospitalized for 31 days for an infection I contracted after surgery for a spinal fusion (hence, my constant perfect posture).
4. I was oh-so-very hot during said stay – literally. My temperature rose to 106. I was probably a bit delirious, too – not that I remember too much, though.
5. I find hospitals oddly comforting; in fact, some of my happiest family memories from my childhood, especially with my father, took place there.
6. I’m a girl who loves to eat. I dehydrated easily as a girl, so I was frequently hospitalized for IV fluids. The routine was always the same: They hooked me up to that IV, let me rest and recover for a couple days and then once I was feeling better, I’d order a cheeseburger and the doctors knew it was time to give me my discharge papers. They called it “The Melissa Blake Diet.” I refused to eat that giggly Jell-O. Even in the hospital, I set the rules.
7. To date, I’ve had 27 surgeries. I’m 27. Think that should be my lucky number?
8. In high school, my disability sometimes made me feel like a class freak; though I think I hid it pretty well. I tried to project an air of self-esteem at least.
9. I’m just less than 4 feet. How tall were the Seven Dwarfs? I could probably qualify as the eighth.
10. My motto: “Why walk when you can roll?”
What are the Top 10 things people don’t know about you? Set the record straight today. Is there really a better time than now?
xoxo,
Dream Vacation: Ice Hotel.
Must-see: Cinderella movie
The Phraseology Project.
Have a cool Labor Day weekend
flowrgirl1 says
Love your blog. Your sarcasm is priceless. I have never heard of your disability but just went to the link you provided and did a little reading about it. I am glad that you have always remained you even through the hardships you have had.
I know one thing that needs to be in my top 10 list!
I know I talk very fast, deal with it people!
Simply Colette says
Love the list! Wishing you an early "Happy Birthday."
🙂
naicha says
i really like your blog! reading it all the time… (:
I love how you deal with your problems, in kind a sarcastic way!
God Bless you! (:
Karyn - (French Charming) says
This is exactly why I can't get enough of you or your blog! I adore your perspective and positive attitude, your honesty and your willingness to share your thoughts. I find it so inspiring and it motivates me to be a better me.
Sending Happy Birthday wishes your way!
xoxo
Karyn
goannatree says
Hey Melissa,
Thanks for helping me understand! I am really enjoy your blog. Your writing style and humor are riotious and a breath of fresh air…and as someone who's been where you are (turning 28) – i say that 28's the best age yet…i'll let you know how 29 goes!
Melissa Blake says
thanks! I might take my birthday a bit too seriously for my age, but I don't care!!! xoxox
Krazy says
From the first blog I read of your's, I was hit with what an awesome person you are. May you have many more Happy Birthdays, Keep on rolling life would be dismal with out your smiling face in it.
cinner says
Mel, thanks for sharing that with us. keep rolling along, we as your bloggers sure love ya, Attitude is Everything. Happy Birthday. 28 was a good year for me, actually every day is, beats the alternative. Take care.
Ciara says
I just found your blog and i LOVE it!!!! Happy birthday!!! One of my friend's birthday is today, and then it's my birthday in 2 days!!! I love August, it's so full of birthdays and cake, lol!!!
Lilian Moreira εϊз says
Melissa,
I love your blog. That's such a great thing that you share your world with us. I wish you a happy birthday and many, many more!
Love,
Lilian
Joy says
Happy birthday GURLLLLLLLLLL!!!!!
Hope your 28th year on this planet comes with lots of love, fun, joy and peace. (ok, enough already!!!)
Every time I read your blog, I feel like I get to know you so much more personally than I expected to. You are really sweet. I'm not gonna lie, reading your blog has really enlightened me about certain people with disabilities. Honestly, I'm not a mean person, but I guess I sometimes get caught up in the culture of stereotyping people. Judging people if you would before I get to know them. You have certainly taught me that we are essentially all the same and that we all want the same things out of life regardless of whether the person is in a wheelchair, is 7feet tall or bears the burden of a disability or syndrome. I appreciate you for that. Keep up the good work.
Joy says
Just thought I should add to my comment before people start to criticize me. I speak with an accent, and I have been on the recieving end of people's prejudices and negative stereotyping regarding people with accents.
ShannonDBR says
Love it! I might steal this idea and do one about my disabilty too {:) Stop by sometime!
Shannon
PS~Erin says
You're bold and honest, and that's a great thing.
Happy almost birthday!
Viewtiful_Justin says
Happy Birthday, Mel! Here's to 28 more, at least!
Cindy says
HI Melissa! I always stop by for a bit of inspiration… you never fail!