I received your book Saturday and finished it in approx. two hours. Great job, I loved it – lots of memories, lots of laughs, a tear or two. I think you were right on when you talk about the way we (our class) saw you as just being Allison. When my friend from the Kiwanis Club heard you speak and then asked me about you, there were some questions I just never thought about. The same goes for the people I was talking to last week in my office when I told them about my classmate who had written a book. My first thought was, “I guess you don’t understand… that’s just Allison.” My children had lots of questions too. Although I was a little more patient with them, I still had the same thoughts and couldn’t understand why all the questions. I hope you don’t take that the wrong way – it’s a major compliment. As much fun as part one was for me, I think I liked the inspiration from part two better; I plan on reading it again. You truly have an amazing inner strength and insight that naturally blends with a great ability to put that into the written word. So enough of that, let’s talk about me and my favorite Allison memories now:
Daycare at the Presbyterian Church (referred to as Playschool) circa 1975-76
Memories are foggy but present. Seems like you would get to sit in one of our (the kids) laps during story time. It was such a treat for all of us I think, as the teachers had to make a list of everyone so we could take turns. My name must have been at the bottom of the list because it seemed like everyone had a turn before I did – very frustrating. Finally, the day arrived, and I remember how special I felt that you were sitting with me.
The PM Magazine story circa 1981-82
It was weird to see all the cameras in the school. I remember being in Mrs. Lisa Dobson’s class and the reporter wanted to interview some of the classmates. Miss Lisa picked Will as the boy to be interviewed but he didn’t want to do it. I was picked next. I was so excited; I was going to be on tv! Then the reporter asked me a question, and the dialogue went something like this:
Reporter: “What do you like most about Allison.”
Drew: “Well, she’s funny.”
Reporter: “How is she funny?”
Drew: “She just always keeps you laughing.”
I’m sure that clip was edited out before they ever got to back to the studio, but there were a lot of truths in my responses. First of all, you do have a good sense of humor, and secondly, although I was a sheltered, naïve kid who didn’t know how to describe things, my thoughts to the reporter were, “Hey, moron, if you don’t know already that Allison’s funny, then you don’t need to be doing this piece on her!” When the show was broadcast, I was in Mobile when the show ran and I never got to see it - no vcr!!!!!!
Summer post surgery circa 1984
My grandmother came by the house and said she was going to take some food by your house. I guess you and family had recently returned from the surgery in Boston. She asked if I wanted to go and I said yes. I guess we stayed approx 15-20 minutes. I came back a couple of weeks later, this time by myself (on my bike), just for another visit. I remember talking with you while you were on the couch. I think you talked some about being in Boston and stuff like that. I remember thinking how your travel stories to Boston and the like made my summer trips to Selma or Monroe County pale in comparison. Then, your mama told me she had to go run some errands for approx. 30 minutes and asked if I would mind staying until she ret urned. Although I didn’t mind, I was surprised that she would leave me there alone with you. I remember the phone ringing and my asking, “Should I get that?” You answered with strong laughter, “Well, I can’t get it!” I answered the phone and it was the operator: “Collect call from Dana, would you like to accept the charge?” I turned to you and said, “Hey, it’s a collect call from Dana. Do you want me to accept it?” You laughed hard again and replied, “Yes!” We watched some tv to pass the time. I remember realizing there was not going to be any kind of future for you and me beyond us being friends when Three’s Company, one of my favorite shows in syndication, was coming on and you quickly changed the channel, saying it was a silly show.
French Dance circa 1987
I remember I rode with you and some other girls to the dance that night. I ditched you guys pretty quickly, walked home, got my car, and drove to the river. I am sorry about that. I loved what you had to say in the book about the prom. I really disliked that stuff too. There was so much peer pressure going on about it, I felt like I had to participate. It never came close to living up to the hype.
Montgomery Wal-Mart circa 1995
You were shopping – we spoke for a few minutes – that’s the last time I20saw you.
Again, congratulations on your book. I have been thinking about you a lot since we connected via e-mail last summer. I hope you don’t mind my sharing some memories with you.
You know how when you meet a celebrity or rock star and then later in life you see them on tv and say boastfully to others, "I know him," or "I met her." It's
the same with you - you're my rock star. That's why it's so cool to say, "You see her, I grew up with her."
Welcome
Born with no arms or legs in December, 1970, Allison Wetherbee has faced challenges few could ever imagine. In the book, I Was Born This Way, her faith, courage and humor are shown as she tells the story of her life. The first part of this book tells of her life defining moments including graduating from college with a Master's degree, and working as a mental health therapist. The second part of this book is full of devotions and stories of inspiration.
Allison currently enjoys her position as Public Relations Director at Easter Seals Camp ASCCA, and residing at the camp. She leads an active life with her friends and family. Allison also keeps a busy schedule with public speaking engagements. She has spoken for churches, college classes, businesses and civic clubs. She is available to give presentations for any interested group.
AMAZON.COM
Also available through many bookstores including
Simply contact your local store, request the book, and they will order it for you!
Email
Allison
Visit Allison's Online Blog
Eighteen Days
Eighteen Months
Two Years Old
Allison and Dana 1974
Allison with "Rusty" 1977
Allison and Father 1977
Excerpts from I Was Born This Way
When my parents saw me for the first time together, they laid me on my mother’s hospital bed, unwrapped my blanket, and looked at every inch of my tiny body with awe. I weighed less than four pounds and
measured around ten inches long. Where arms would have been, my shoulders were smooth. On the right side of my bottom, there was a small indentation similar to a belly button. On the left side there was a small round ball of tissue where my leg had started to grow. As a child, I affectionately named that place on my hip “little leg.” Although I have been blonde all of my life, I was born with a full head of jet black hair.
page 7
As a child, one of the first lessons I had to accept was that no one would be able to teach me how to do certain things. To a large extent, I have had to teach myself how to maneuver in this life. For example, no one else could show me how to hold and angle a pencil in my mouth. It took years of practice to achieve the writing skills that match most other people’s. No one could show me how to open a door using my chin or how to pick up a phone receiver using my mouth. I learned on my own how to manipulate makeup brushes with my shoulders to apply cosmetics. I learned how to type on a keyboard using a dowel stick. And through the grace of God, I have learned how to maintain an independent lifestyle despite my disability.
page 77
Allison in her first "walker"
Megan and Allison 1978
Megan, Allison, and Dana 1981
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Available Through:
Allison with first counselor at Camp ASCCA, Donette 1978
Parents, Charlie and Gloria Wetherbee 1978
High School Graduation 1989
Allison with "Natchez" 1995
Allison 2006
Parents, Charlie and Gloria Wetherbee 2005
Dana, Allison and Megan 2007
Allison and Mother 2007
Allison 2008
Click here for information about Easter Seals Camp ASCCA
AUTHORHOUSE.COM
BARNES & NOBLE
Excerpts
Photos
Comments
Buy
In an email entitled : I Was Born This Way Review and Other Anecdotes, Drew commented:
I received your book Saturday and finished it in approx. two hours. Great job, I loved it – lots of memories, lots of laughs, a tear or two. I think you were right on when you talk about the way we (our class) saw you as just being Allison. When my friend from the Kiwanis Club heard you speak and then asked me about you, there were some questions I just never thought about. The same goes for the people I was talking to last week in my office when I told them about my classmate who had written a book. My first thought was, “I guess you don’t understand… that’s just Allison.” My children had lots of questions too. Although I was a little more patient with them, I still had the same thoughts and couldn’t understand why all the questions. I hope you don’t take that the wrong way – it’s a major compliment. As much fun as part one was for me, I think I liked the inspiration from part two better; I plan on reading it again. You truly have an amazing inner strength and insight that naturally blends with a great ability to put that into the written word. So enough of that, let’s talk about me and my favorite Allison memories now:
Daycare at the Presbyterian Church (referred to as Playschool) circa 1975-76
Memories are foggy but present. Seems like you would get to sit in one of our (the kids) laps during story time. It was such a treat for all of us I think, as the teachers had to make a list of everyone so we could take turns. My name must have been at the bottom of the list because it seemed like everyone had a turn before I did – very frustrating. Finally, the day arrived, and I remember how special I felt that you were sitting with me.
The PM Magazine story circa 1981-82
It was weird to see all the cameras in the school. I remember being in Mrs. Lisa Dobson’s class and the reporter wanted to interview some of the classmates. Miss Lisa picked Will as the boy to be interviewed but he didn’t want to do it. I was picked next. I was so excited; I was going to be on tv! Then the reporter asked me a question, and the dialogue went something like this:
Reporter: “What do you like most about Allison.”
Drew: “Well, she’s funny.”
Reporter: “How is she funny?”
Drew: “She just always keeps you laughing.”
I’m sure that clip was edited out before they ever got to back to the studio, but there were a lot of truths in my responses. First of all, you do have a good sense of humor, and secondly, although I was a sheltered, naïve kid who didn’t know how to describe things, my thoughts to the reporter were, “Hey, moron, if you don’t know already that Allison’s funny, then you don’t need to be doing this piece on her!” When the show was broadcast, I was in Mobile when the show ran and I never got to see it - no vcr!!!!!!
Summer post surgery circa 1984
My grandmother came by the house and said she was going to take some food by your house. I guess you and family had recently returned from the surgery in Boston. She asked if I wanted to go and I said yes. I guess we stayed approx 15-20 minutes. I came back a couple of weeks later, this time by myself (on my bike), just for another visit. I remember talking with you while you were on the couch. I think you talked some about being in Boston and stuff like that. I remember thinking how your travel stories to Boston and the like made my summer trips to Selma or Monroe County pale in comparison. Then, your mama told me she had to go run some errands for approx. 30 minutes and asked if I would mind staying until she returned. Although I didn’t mind, I was surprised that she would leave me there alone with you. I remember the phone ringing and my asking, “Should I get that?” You answered with strong laughter, “Well, I can’t get it!” I answered the phone and it was the operator: “Collect call from Dana, would you like to accept the charge?” I turned to you and said, “Hey, it’s a collect call from Dana. Do you want me to accept it?” You laughed hard again and replied, “Yes!” We watched some tv to pass the time. I remember realizing there was not going to be any kind of future for you and me beyond us being friends when Three’s Company, one of my favorite shows in syndication, was coming on and you quickly changed the channel, saying it was a silly show.
French Dance circa 1987
I remember I rode with you and some other girls to the dance that night. I ditched you guys pretty quickly, walked home, got my car, and drove to the river. I am sorry about that. I loved what you had to say in the book about the prom. I really disliked that stuff too. There was so much peer pressure going on about it, I felt like I had to participate. It never came close to living up to the hype.
Montgomery Wal-Mart circa 1995
You were shopping – we spoke for a few minutes – that’s the last time I saw you.
Again, congratulations on your book. I have been thinking about you a lot since we connected via e-mail last summer. I hope you don’t mind my sharing some memories with you.
You know how when you meet a celebrity or rock star and then later in life you see them on tv and say boastfully to others, "I know him," or "I met her." It's the same with you - you're my rock star. That's why it's so cool to say, "You see her, I grew up with her."
Joan said:
Allison, I got your book
on Friday and read it that
night. It is wonderful! You
are such an inspiration to all!!
Catherine said:
Your book was wonderful!!!
I absolutely loved it!!
Congrats!!!!
Teresa said:
Allison, I got my book today! I have already read the first half! I cried and cried (good tears). You write beautifully! I was reading it in my car while I was waiting on my kids and a friend of mine came up to chat with me. I know she was wondering why I cut her off so quick! I had to get back to the book! I can't wait to read the second half tonight! This book (and you) are just what I needed today!
Neile said:
Allison, WOW!
I read your book cover to cover as soon as I could tear it out of the Amazon box.
You write beautifully and the book is and will be a great blessing to all who read it.
I am so proud of you...not for what you've accomplished (though wonderful), but for the person you are.
Congratulations on the book.
I have let friends/family know and maybe we'll get your book to be one of Oprah's picks!
Hey you.
I couldn't sleep last night, opened the front door at 2 am to let in the cat, and your book was sitting on my porch in its FedEx package waiting for me.
This is a very very stressful week, and reading your book cover to cover helped me find a little peace.
"I am strong. I am resilient. I was born this way, and so were you." Thank you.
Helene said:
Ann said:
"I Was Born This Way" is wonderful! The pictures are wonderful! I know the couch you refer to when you were at Camp for the fried catfish farewell.
You were on the couch watching "Days of Our Lives" when Jennifer asked you how you scratched your nose when it itched.
Also, the first time I heard "God never closes a window that He doesn't open a door" came from your lips one morning at a flag raising. It is so precious to me that I have had the opportunity to know and love you.
All comments have been taken from Email or Facebook, and used with permission
I just read your book in one sitting,
which is a first for me.
Somehow I can imagine you
telling me these stories
as an eleven year old back at camp -
well at least a few of them;
you have always been an "old soul."
I enjoyed learning more
about your parents and sisters
and the impact
each of you had on the other.
I look forward to
sharing your book with my kids.
I was so tempted to
highlight several items that spoke to me,
but decided to leave it unmarked
so they hear your voice and not mine.
Thank you Allison!
Rusty said:
