The first part is in my “native language,” and then the second part provides a translation, or at least an explanation. This is not a look-at-the-autie gawking freakshow as much as it is a statement about what gets considered thought, intelligence, personhood, language, and communication, and what does not.
A Guitar Player’s Experience
I am sixty-five years old, and have played guitar for over 50 years. I was a recording and touring musician for over ten of those years, so it was puzzling and disturbing when three years ago my right hand started to spasm when I played simple rhythm parts. At first it was only occasional, but as it increased in frequency, I consulted a neurologist, and was diagnosed with Early Onset Parkinsonism at 62. I have been taking Azilect now for the last two and a half years, and the progression of my condition seems to have slowed as a result. My concern, however, is that even with Azilect, I cannot play a complete song on guitar, as my right hand starts to tremor uncontrollably after a few bars. Dealing with this condition has been difficult, because playing music is and has been such a big part of who I am. While initially depressing, I determined that I would not let my life be defined by Parkinson’s. I found that I could sustain longer passages of songs if I played with an open hand rather than with a flatpick, so I have worked on developing this technique. More importantly, I found [...] continue the story
Beyond the Light
Guitarist and music teacher Kyaw Kyaw has been blind since birth. In “Beyond the Light”, he talks candidly about his life and his perceptions of the world around him. Blind since birth, he talks of his despair at life, and how taking up the guitar brought him salvation.