We Americans tend to worship youth, conformity, and "fitness."
"Disability' rather represents a model  not to be emulated.  Ironically,
we disabled possess all the grit and fortitude that requires the best of
being human.  So likely would a person at 90 years.

As for what the crowd applauds--perhaps it is best to avoid crowds.  ;-)

Hugs,

Steve

----- Original Message -----
From: "Betty B" <[log in to unmask]>
To: <[log in to unmask]>
Sent: Friday, March 30, 2001 3:04 PM
Subject: Re: SCIENTIFIC FRONTIERS & CHRIS REEVE


> There are a lot of posts I want to answer and will get to them all.
>
> At the same dedication ceremony I was talking about the other day, a
woman
> was introduced and congratulated by encouraged applause for looking so
great
> at the age of ninety.  I thought about that.  What they were really
doing was
> congratulating her for not looking disabled.
>
> In a message dated 03/30/2001 2:18:55 PM Eastern Standard Time,
> [log in to unmask] writes:
>
> >  > I'm trying to accept my disabilities.  At times, it is really
> >  > hard.  Kathy
> >  > >
> >  > > , it is hard, Kathy Jo ... in a nation where the TV has become
> >  > paramount, the general public rides around thinking that
everybody
> >  > has to be
> >  > a twiggy or stallone... but we need to remember that our spirits,
> >  > our souls
> >  > are just as perfect as anybody else's.
> >  >
> >  > mag
> >  >