I had volunteered a week or so before to tell my story and the story of my older brother to Becky Lloyd, a professor from the University of Utah who is gathering oral histories of Polio Survivors. She asked if she could give Mr. Johnson my name and allow him to interview me for a story he wanted to write. I said sure but I was quite nervous, not knowing just what he would ask.
He came mid-day with his photographer and they were here for about an hour and a half. Jim came home from work to be here also. The four of us sat around the kitchen table and chatted about Polio and how it had affected the lives of my brother and me.
John had Polio 10 years earlier than I did, and was left with very similar problems. He had damaged and weakened muscles and breathing difficulties. He died in 1987 at age 53 from Post Polio complications. Mr. Johnson asked many questions about our Polio history and what specific early memories I had of those days. He was also interested in my attitude and worries as I too began to have Post Polio complications similar to my brother. I am quite a talker and since I was nervous I rattled on and on.
His photographer clicked non-stop photos with his long lens camera. Since I am not used to the paparazzi ... it was a bit unsettling. I have a news clipping with a large photo of me in an iron lung at age three. They were very interested in that photo and had me hold it up. I was so nervous my hands were shaking. I could see the paper fluttering as I was trying to hold it still. The photographer took photo after photo of me holding it. I think he was hoping to get one that would not be too blurry.
This was an article to help promote the March of DimesMr. Johnson said he was interviewing several people for the article so I do not know if my story and my brothers story will be mentioned in the final version. He did not say when his article would be published but, I do not expect it for a couple of weeks. I will be waiting with great curiosity.
Another, different incident happened in January 2010 that will make it a month for me to remember. I was not only interviewed by the New York Times reporter last week but, the week before that, I broke a bone in my foot. Lulu, my sweet little cat and I had a small but significant mid-room collision. She luckily, escaped without injury.
I thought I would get a lot of painting done since I can't drive or do much but, I find I need to keep the foot propped up quite a bit, or it gets aching. I have TV and reading to keep me busy. Jim is doing the shopping and tending me very well.
Luckily, the Australian Tennis Grand Slam, is on for two weeks and I love to watch tennis. I am filming the all night live games, and watching them the next day. Go Federer!!!
I am also reading in between the tennis matches. I ordered a pile of books from the library via computer and Jim brought them home to me. I am up for any really good reads you can suggest.
I just finished ...The Glass Castle.... by Jeannette Walls, very very interesting. I could hardly lay it down.
I have about 6 to 8 weeks left to wear the giant black Velcro shoe...very stylish.
