Perceptions

I just this very moment found out that I won an award this morning.

Oddly enough, it came from Arizona, and since I live in the Midwest, it was at first perplexing. Let me divulge the title of the award, and then we can talk specifics.

"Looks the Most Different from When They Wake Up to When They are Ready for the Day"

At first, I said, "How could I win this award? I don't even wear make-up." And my hair isn't really too crazy when I wake up, usually just a few more waves than day-time hair. I was baffled.

Then I got to thinking, and digging deeper, I found a few reasons why my 7-year-old niece might find me "most different" from waking to leaving the house.

1. My very thick glasses that reduce my eyes to the size of peas.
2. My plastic mouth splint that covers my top teeth and prevents my jaw from fully closing to spare me from TMJ disorder face pain.
   
3. My hand braces, which keep my wrists straight and prevent the carpal tunnel pain whilst sleeping.

Those are three very significant changes that, in fact, are more transforming than make-up to a seven-year-old. It's beginning to make sense. These pieces make me somewhat robotic when I sleep and upon waking, could be potentially scary for a little person used to seeing such transfigured images only in their crazy child dreams.

At that point in the conversation, my dear sister piped up: "Well, don't forget your wheelchair and IV pole. Oh, and your metal leg." Which certainly could complement the above list. But thanks, Em, I'm not quite there yet.

Oh the minds of the young! How free and hilarious they can be.