Honesty
I
am honest when I share my experiences of living with Crohn’s disease and
dyspraxia and having a dad with severe multiple sclerosis. However, this
honesty can sometimes hurt.
I
am haunted by the corridors in my secondary school where I was punched, kicked,
strangled by others boys. I remember the long admissions in hospitals where
blood poured out of my bottom and I fainted in my mum’s arms. I still visualise
the beds where dad’s legs trembled and his veins were infected. I recall the
faces that shouted I was a ‘nerd’, ‘lazy’, ‘stupid’, ‘ugly’ and a ‘retard’.
These faces laughed at my scars. These memories invade me as I type each word
and I am almost too scared to press the ‘enter button’ to publish this
article...
...But
I know I am not alone. There are many wonderful people who are willing to
listen to my story, no matter how graphic or personal, and they do genuinely
care. I know they will be there when I cannot get out of bed in the morning
even after setting two alarms; when I stumble over my speech; when I fall into
shards of glass and cut my face; when my potassium levels are so low I could
have a heart attack in the night; when I am bullied; and when I feel like
ending it all.
On
Saturday 24th June 2017 I attended the Dyspraxia Foundation Annual
General Meeting and Conference 2017. I was very anxious on the train down to
London Bridge. My hands were shaking; my voice was dry; and I almost vomited
into the toilet. However, these fears disappeared over the duration of the day.
Each organised talk, each activity, every workshops and ultimately every person
was inspiring. You took the time to listen to my fears, my dreams and I
listened to yours. You are kind, creative and determined and I am proud to have
met you.
If
it means my voice will no longer be silenced; if I can prove the bullies wrong;
and if I get the chance to meet many more incredible people then I will
continue to be honest.
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| Dyspraxia Foundation Annual General Meeting and Conference 2017...Copyright © 2017- Dyspraxia Foundation and Jake Borrett. All rights reserved. |
Thank you for being so honest, Jake
ReplyDeleteIt is my pleasure. Thank you for reading my article.
DeleteI'm glad the London AGM was good for you Jake. I was at the Doncaster conference earlier in the year and it seemed like being in a big happy family for the day, if that makes any sense ...
ReplyDeleteThat makes complete sense and you are absolutely right Tim, it did feel like being with a group of people who truly understood. Have a great weekend.
Delete