If you give a short guy a microphone…

I’ve often written about the amazing David Krempels Brain Injury Center (KBIC) here in this blog. In this case it isn’t repetition resulting from my poor memory due to the frontal lobe damage I sustained now more than 18 years ago, rather that I’m reminded almost daily of how blessed I’ve been by this amazing organization began by David Krempels in 1995 to provide emergency funding to brain injury survivors.  Just last night I had the great honor of speaking to a generous group of KBIC supporters gathered at Seabrook, NH’s “The Brook” for a night of fundraising.

It was a fun night that RAWZ was happy to sponsor and made my wardrobe decision easy when I just grabbed my trusty orange shirt! I was asked to share a few words on my experience with KBIC and represent RAWZ. Since I was speaking to a friendly group about my personal experience, nerves weren’t really an issue and I didn’t find myself overly self-conscious. In fact, my only real concern was that I wouldn’t adequately convey my gratitude for both KBIC and its’ amazing supporters in the community. I suppose my lack of nervousness also resulted from the knowledge that I wouldn’t be fielding any odd questions…

Although I’m always happy to engage in dialogue with any audience that I’m given the opportunity to share my experience with, the “Casino Night” was more of a brief overview of my and the RAWZ Fund’s connection with KBIC rather than a Q&A. In sharp contrast was a presentation to a group of 6th graders I was fortunate to make this week with ThinkFirst: National Injury Prevention Foundation. I really enjoy speaking with students whether about my experience at KBIC with their Community Education initiative or to share my story as a cautionary message to hopefully prevent others from making the mistake I did. While I typically find high school aged kids more receptive to my specific message as they tend to be recent drivers, ThinkFirst does a great job of highlighting other safe decisions applicable to younger audiences. Whether it be protective equipment for sports or recreation, violence de-escalation, or simply abstaining from drugs and alcohol, it’s never too early to start the discussion.

But, let me jump off my soapbox and share a humorous question I fielded from an inquisitive 6th grader. I try not to judge people from first impressions, but the excitement with which this boy raised his hand coupled with the subtle Mona Lisa grin across his face hinted that an amusing question may be coming…

“Yes, in the 3rd row there, did you have a question?” I asked.

“Were you always that short or did you shrink after your accident?”

Now in his defense, as usual I set the ball rolling by making a few self-deprecating height jokes to warm up the class including telling all the boys that at least their heights’ would likely catch up to their female classmates’ where as my growth plates had closed. In hindsight, maybe I should have said, “Actually my shortness is a consequence of my accident so don’t drink and drive or you’ll end up as short as me!” I’m not one who believes that it’s ok to lie if the “ends justify the means”, but hey…