My introduction

[Guest guest]

Hiya All,

My name is Jim Ries. I am a Catholic priest in Southern California, but

more importantly for this post, I have CMT. I was diagnosed when I was 15

and I am now 46. Most had never heard of CMT back then or if they had it

was from some obscure reference in one of their dusty textbooks. They ran

me through the nerve conduction thing, which doing once was one more time

than I ever wanted to have done.

I began to see the world as a giant puzzle. I can do anything if you give

me a chance to figure out the puzzle. I've learned how to scuba dive,

climbed small pyramids in Mexico, worked as a trail hand and poop shoveler

at a horse stable. Each presented its own challenge. Now my condition is

more advanced, so going to a motel and trying to figure out how to get in

and out of the tub is a challenge, but I do the same (work the puzzle), I

put my foot here and hold on over there and pull this bar., eventually I

make it in and out and clean to boot.

I have also accepted that tools are good. For many years I didn't want to

fully admit I was different, so I would struggle trying to be " normal " . Now

I have lots of tools to make my life easier. I also learned to ask for

help. I no longer struggle with opening water bottles or soda cans if

someone else is nearby. Shoot sometimes I even ask complete strangers in

restaurants for help. It's all part of the puzzle.

I know there's a rule about talking about religion, which I will respect,

but I cannot refrain from saying that most of my positive attitude now comes

from my belief that God loves me as He/She created me. Before I truly

accepted this my self image had deteriorated greatly. Now I am fully alive

and give thanks for creation everyday including me. I hope I have not over

stepped the boundaries too greatly.

I look forward to corresponding with others with CMT.

Jim