Happy Boy Song

This is something that is pretty funny to me, although it seems to be a touchy subject to others. Most people know my circumstances, but not everyone knows me. I don't see myself as less than normal, just different. When I'm in public some people are leery or even afraid to approach me because of what they see. The old adage "Don't Judge a Book by Its Cover" is applicable for me. I have noticed that some people will look at me and then realize that I am making eye contact with them and they will look away as if they're embarrassed or unsure as to what to do. Those who know me will go ahead and smile and wave even though I don't wave back. I usually just smile and nod my head in acknowledgment. I understand where they're coming from and in some situations it may be that ignoring the obvious might be the best move. That's not how I roll, PUN INTENDED. If you come up and say hi, be sure to wait a few seconds before expecting an answer because my diaphragm pacer pulses every 5 seconds. If I happen to be inhaling and you're expecting a reply, I have to wait until the exhale cycle begins. It's not painful, just a part of the process that I deal with. I'm not fragile mentally, as a matter of fact I probably have thicker skin than most. Mainly because I understand what it's like to be in your shoes. That's why I thought I would write this, to let you know what it's like from my point of view. Sometimes it can actually be pretty funny. I've had people come up to me and give me sign language or speak very loud because they thought that my ears may not work well. I can tell you that I can hear as well or better than most people my age :-)



So here's the deal. When you see me smile and wave and if possible wait for a reply. I'm a happy boy.



Much love, Dennis