The word is Discover or Discovery. For that matter, there shall be an attempt to find out what is necessary to ensure the continued existence of people like ourselves - the 20 percent.
Within the limited space that I now occupy, I search for answers. The answers to questions may result in controlled testing of my physical body. These tests must be documented. Unfortunately, this testing may be short lived because of the particular neuromuscular disorder I am forced to accept.
The consequences of the inability to lift anything above a certain weight or mass has to be moved in some other manner. With some other force that is currently known by mankind.
Everything has to have a "heaviness factor" to it. Items can be "light as a feather" or "weigh a ton" - it all depends upon how you look at real "stuff" that is in the real world. Not on some computer screen that is a perception of reality.
Looking at my past achievements, I have to decide whether or not the performance was acceptable, not only to myself but to others as well.
I discovered or rather I was recently enlightened by a PBS movie (shown May 18) that brought things into a greater understanding of my father and his youth. My father's character of his high school play at York (a rural school in New York state) was that of "Mr. Einstein" in the play Arsenic and Old Lace. It could have been an indicator for his future habitual drinking.
However, I believe that a majority of high school youth experiment with an alcoholic beverage or two (or more). I was not immune to this societal pressure. I drank my share of beer and liquor for many years. It wasn't until I had my first seizure, while visiting my father, that a medical decision was made on my part.
Excessive drinking leads to acts of stupidity. Inhibitions are relaxed and self-control just goes wild. Certain things happen to or in the brain that limit the perception of how life really is. Do not be a person who believes "It won't happen to me. I can handle my drinking." Or, say to me, "You old geezer, you don't know anything about life."
There are plenty of statistics that show the damaging results of partying without adult supervision. Most parents are aware of seeing an inebriated child, as the child's actions are suspect. There is some imbalance within the legs or arms that should be addressed. Either withdraw the vehicle keys or deliver the child safely home. This is essential. Please, do your part.
My father, now 79, has an advanced stage of Alzheimer's. I am unsure what functions he is still capable of performing. I only hear what his caregiver says he still can do. I'm not there.
An article was recently uncovered from The Daily Times newspaper. It was written by a 2006 legal studies graduate from the University of Maryland and a 2008 journalism graduate of Breyer State University. I'm still inspired by this writing. The focus of Adah Marie Guy's article - Never get behind and always stay ahead: "Time is precious." I don't know the circumstances of this disabled person's young life. I'd only be assuming. Never assume.
To the graduating students of the various high schools in the area: If you want to drink, be aware that the future consequences may not be in your best interest. You'll lose focus on the bigger picture. Why would you choose to be yet another statistic? Have a safe and adventurous journey as you go on with your independent lives.
Michael J. Henry is a Sheridan resident. Send comments to editorial@observertoday.com.
