Re: On Loss, Limitations, and Overcoming Them, October 2014

The following letter is in response to the Viewpoint column in the October 2014 issue of The O&P EDGE, "On Loss, Limitations, and Overcoming Them." Dear Editor, Your Viewpoint in the October 2014 issue reminded me of a life event I thought your readers could relate to regarding the "handicapped" label. My now 19-year-old daughter was born, quite literally, with her toes in her ears. Diagnoses abound from there: myelomeningocele at the L4-L5 level (spina bifida), hip dysplasia (which explains why she was born in the particular breech posture that she was), neurogenic bladder, and hydrocephalus. By working diligently, she was able to defy the odds by walking, and working her way out of all therapies. She attended mainstream classes and soon will begin college. A major factor in her journey might be parental neglect-I neglected to tell her she was handicapped; I didn't tell her she had disabilities. This was driven home to me following an individualized education program (IEP) meeting when she was about 11 years old, and she asked me, "Mom, am I handicapped?" I remember thinking, "Wow! What a revelation. She had grown so used to handling her daily needs, the medications, catheterizations, and orthotics, that she never applied that label to herself." Aren't attitude and perspective amazing in their abilities to shape our view of the world? -Charlie (last name withheld upon request to protect her daughter's privacy) Colorado Springs, Colorado

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Re: On Loss, Limitations, and Overcoming Them, October 2014

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