Today we learn of another hero--Hayley Harbottle, of the UK. Here's part of her story:
"SHE has a condition which means she cant even smile, but brave teenager Hayley Harbottle is determined to get on with her life. The 14-year-old was born with the rare condition Moebius syndrome a neurological disorder which affects only 200 people in Britain. Those affected have facial paralysis, meaning they cant smile, blink, move their eyes, or show any facial expression.
Sadly, the Woodhorn Special School pupil has a wide spectrum of problems linked to her condition, including having no hands, a clubbed foot, speech problems, hearing loss and gastrointestinal issues.
But she is determined not to let her disability hold her back and loves swimming and spending time on her computer. Speaking from their home in Cramlington, Northumberland, mum Jane Thompson said: "Hayley has not had an easy life because of her condition but she tries not to let it hold her back.
Although she cant smile we can tell when she is happy by her eyes and the fact that she laughs. Im very proud of how well she copes with things and we take it day by day. It can be difficult but we try to remain as positive as we can."....Jane, who also has children Gemma, 25, and Carl, 22, said: "We had no idea Hayley had Moebius syndrome until she was nine months old and it came as quite a shock. Id never heard of the illness before and I didnt know what it was. When we were told how it was going to affect her it was upsetting but Id not change her for the world and she is an inspiration. For any family in our situation Id tell them there is light at the end of the tunnel and to keep positive."
Amen. All the best to our new friend Hayley Harbottle and to her parents...
ROBOT CARS--ANOTHER VIEW
A couple of weeks ago we remarked here on the development of some new technology--cars that would be able to drive themselves. It would seem to be a godsend to some with Moebius Syndrome, for example, who perhaps have a hard time driving. But maybe cars driving themselves isn't always such a good idea--here's another view on the subject:
"A big part of what makes driving enjoyable is the freedom and control it gives you, the individual. It is your car and you are in charge of directing its course, of deciding how to get there. You can choose your route and proceed at whatever speed seems reasonable to you. If you like, you can stop for a cup of coffee. Or to admire a scenic view. You control your destiny. You are a driver.
If cars drive themselves, then you become a passenger. A passive pound of flesh transported by the intelligence of and under the direction of someone (or something) else. You get there when someone else decides you get there. You travel at the speed someone else (or a machine) determines to be the "right" or "safe" speed. There will be no stopping along the way; no taking the scenic route just because.
The only difference between an automated car and taking the bus is that you don't have some stranger sitting beside you coughing his flu all over your face. But the essential thing is identical. You have surrendered your autonomy; for the duration of the trip, your fate is out of your control. You are now a member of the Mass. One of Many, another sardine to be fileted and packaged and sent on its way.....A smartly executed fast pass or perfectly timed corner exit is a form of art in motion. Knowing you are a good driver -- that you can handle it -- is immensely satisfying. Automated cars would take that all away. In effect, we'd be reduced to the state we were in as young children -- when our parents buckled us in and took us for a drive when and how they wished. Our role was to sit quietly and await our arrival -- more or less shut down in the meanwhile."
Something to think about...
"The real voyage of discovery consists not in seeking new landscapes
but in having new eyes." -Marcel Proust
But she is determined not to let her disability hold her back and loves swimming and spending time on her computer. Speaking from their home in Cramlington, Northumberland, mum Jane Thompson said: "Hayley has not had an easy life because of her condition but she tries not to let it hold her back.
Although she cant smile we can tell when she is happy by her eyes and the fact that she laughs. Im very proud of how well she copes with things and we take it day by day. It can be difficult but we try to remain as positive as we can."....Jane, who also has children Gemma, 25, and Carl, 22, said: "We had no idea Hayley had Moebius syndrome until she was nine months old and it came as quite a shock. Id never heard of the illness before and I didnt know what it was. When we were told how it was going to affect her it was upsetting but Id not change her for the world and she is an inspiration. For any family in our situation Id tell them there is light at the end of the tunnel and to keep positive."
Amen. All the best to our new friend Hayley Harbottle and to her parents...
ROBOT CARS--ANOTHER VIEW
A couple of weeks ago we remarked here on the development of some new technology--cars that would be able to drive themselves. It would seem to be a godsend to some with Moebius Syndrome, for example, who perhaps have a hard time driving. But maybe cars driving themselves isn't always such a good idea--here's another view on the subject:
"A big part of what makes driving enjoyable is the freedom and control it gives you, the individual. It is your car and you are in charge of directing its course, of deciding how to get there. You can choose your route and proceed at whatever speed seems reasonable to you. If you like, you can stop for a cup of coffee. Or to admire a scenic view. You control your destiny. You are a driver.
If cars drive themselves, then you become a passenger. A passive pound of flesh transported by the intelligence of and under the direction of someone (or something) else. You get there when someone else decides you get there. You travel at the speed someone else (or a machine) determines to be the "right" or "safe" speed. There will be no stopping along the way; no taking the scenic route just because.
The only difference between an automated car and taking the bus is that you don't have some stranger sitting beside you coughing his flu all over your face. But the essential thing is identical. You have surrendered your autonomy; for the duration of the trip, your fate is out of your control. You are now a member of the Mass. One of Many, another sardine to be fileted and packaged and sent on its way.....A smartly executed fast pass or perfectly timed corner exit is a form of art in motion. Knowing you are a good driver -- that you can handle it -- is immensely satisfying. Automated cars would take that all away. In effect, we'd be reduced to the state we were in as young children -- when our parents buckled us in and took us for a drive when and how they wished. Our role was to sit quietly and await our arrival -- more or less shut down in the meanwhile."
Something to think about...
"The real voyage of discovery consists not in seeking new landscapes
but in having new eyes." -Marcel Proust
I hope you don't get offended by this post. Norwegian women's ski team - they are all astmatic but they win all medals possible. They turned their disability into an advantage. You would kick ass playing poker. Best of luck!
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