Putting the "Ability" in Disability pt 1

I sat down with a young woman today who absolutely breaks though all stereotypes surrounding disabled people. She is 21, absolutely stunning, intellegent and talented. And yes, she is disabled. Her name is Melody Gardot. She has a voice that nearly breaks your heart and original songs to go with it. And I found her all by accident, bumping into her in a doctor's office where my mother was having a checkup. I interviewed her on the spot.

(audio recorded and later typed with her permission)

Jason: I see you are in pain by the way you are sitting. Tell me what happened to you?

(smiles weakly) "I was hit by a car while on my bike. It was a while ago. But I have to see this doctor once a month so he can monitor my situation and make sure I am progressing with my health. (she picks up her cane) This is 'Citizen Cane'. (we both laugh) I need a cane becuase my pelvis and spinal column are not symmetrical and without it I cannot stand. I get dizzy really easy and fall alot if I move too fast or sit-up too quick. (she points to a senior citizen nearing the door) So he and I are in this together."

Jason: You seem to have a great sense of humor.

"I have to laugh at everything. Life in this world is not as serious or as severe as we all make it. I am guilty of getting caught up in it just like anyone else at times, but as time passes I grow to see it as a humourous thing."

Jason: So what things make you have to be at a doctor like this?

(she sat up a little)"Well, I am for all intensive purposes disabled. Most of the people who are here see my doctor for medicine and that kind of pain management. For me, its different. I don't take medicine, but I need alternative ways of handling pain. Alot of my troubles are becuase I had a brain injury when I was hit. I don't have any real short-term memory. I can talk to you and usually get the general idea of what you're saying, but I won't be able to remember the things we talked about tomorrow. That has been the standard for nearly two years now. Wow, it's been almost two years (she says with almost disbelief). It's funny, becuase I can read a book again and again like it's the first time I'm reading it. I can watch a movie hundreds of time and laugh like its the first time I've seen it. I can eat 6 apples in a day, only thinking I had one and having only a belly ache to prove me wrong. And alot of people don't understand this.

I have lost alot of friends who just don't understand this. They get mad becuase I'll have the best intentions and honestly forget whatever it is we were supposed to do. As a result, I spend alot of time writing post-it notes in an effort to remember something like to call someone or send someone a thank-you card. I write about 10-12 post it notes every day or so with the same thing on each one JUST to remember.

It's strange though, becuase I write music. This is not a choice really, but something that just happens. For instance, if you get upset, you'll probably want to take it out on the gym equipment, or some form of physical exercise, while I do it on a guitar. Writing music is really just a reaction to the world around me.

The weird thing about it is, if I dont have some way to make record of it immediately, I'll never be able to remember it again. You know how most people study for college Exams? That's how hard I have to work to remember my own songs. It involves recording it, writing it, reading it, singing it again and again and again almost daily. All this is only to remember."

Jason: Well, I want to know more because you seem amazing. Do you have a CD or a place where I can hear your music?

"Yes. (she pulls out a single disc with scribbled writing) You can have this. I don't know why it's in my purse but I guess it was meant to be given to you. I have a website. Its www.melodygardot.com and if you want to get a REAL CD instead of a scribbled one that might be scratched from being in my purse (she laughs) you can get it at www.cdbaby.com/melodygardot. It talks about how I made the CD at home on that page. Kind of a strange way to make music I guess, but the only way I can."

Jason: I see the Doctor is calling you, I'll let you go. But would it be okay with you if I published this online, and maybe even contacted you in the future to talk to you more?"

"Sure, I don't mind telling my story. After all, it's always like the first time I'm saying it. Not being able to remember what I said means it never gets old. I have to go. Have a nice day!"

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And that is the lovely Melody Gardot. I cannot tell you how impressive she is in person. You may just have to see for yourself. I am going to interview her again, so if you want to know anything else about her, bookmark this article and check back--- Jason T.

CLICK HERE FOR PART TWO OF THIS INTERVIEW