Dear Youngsters:
I am a 75-year-old teenager who grew up when available assistance was practically nil. Also, my extended family kept our inherited problems hush-hush, which is a catalyst for making me the champion excuse maker not to take part in many physical activities.

I didn't know about CMT until about 17 years ago and was diagnosed properly, finally, by an MDA doctor. Previously, Friedreich's Ataxia was claimed to be the culprit.
Besides CMT, my problems include familial periodic paralysis, myotonia, thrombophlebitis and lately the inability to bend my fingers and to stand or walk.

My tale of woe is not to seek sympathy but to say that since coming out of the closet almost 60 years ago my life has been enviable. My observations lead me to conclude that one needn't go into lengthy explanations about our problems, no one is perfect. Don't try to do what's impossible for you. Accept help graciously and do anything at all to make someone else's lot happier. Voluntarism is great. I found an ability to sketch fairly well so drew the elderly at convalescent centres and the MDA telethons for many years, all as a volunteer. Have a ready sense of humour and know that there are countless others you wouldn't trade places with.

I was indeed fortunate to have found my wife of 50 years, enjoy two children, four grandchildren, even though March 18, 1971 was the last time I was gainfully employed.

Our daughter and one grandson have my periodic weakness but, by the grace of God, not CMT. Their teachers and friends all knew of their problem. You'd be amazed how little thought the general public gives to your case in point if you maintain a positive attitude.

Edna, my wife, and I have done a lot of travelling in this country and abroad and found no lack of people volunteering to help. Edna is very averse to asking for help even though she's always ready to do for others. Wrong! Helping others makes most people feel good; we're actually doing them a favour.

Hope all the above doesn't sound peachy. Think of it as a recipe I've found successful. Smile and the world smiles with you.

Some of the letters I read in the newsletter break my heart because they bring back the frustrations of my youth and my built-in obstructions. However, my attitude was predominantly upbeat and cheerful, never feeling sorry for myself. I've had several operations on my feet since 1931 and many embarrassing moments.

Learn how to play bridge or pinochle well, or chess or checkers, and you'll be sought. My friends shuffle the cards for me at our weekly game and it's no big deal.