Temple Grandin and I.

So upon learning that I had Aspergers, I thought, "What does that really mean? I felt a complete weight lift off my shoulders, but why? Did this mean I wasn't normal? What do I do now?"

Well, in order to answer these questions swimming around in my head I had to start somewhere. So I figured the book store was best. I could grab a few books on the topic and read up. And read up I did, I couldn't put the first few books down. My first book was Temple Grandin's 'Thinking in Pictures'... I read the first line and could not believe what I was reading, for the first time in my life someone explained how I thought- I thought like Temple, in pictures.

I no longer felt alone, and like no one understood what was going on on the other side of my eyes. I kept reading as fast as I could. I just couldn't seem to soak in the information as fast as I wanted to learn it. Temple had such a straight forward way of explaining exactly how I felt. When writing it that wasn't her point to find another like her. But whether or not that's what she was looking for that is exactly what she will find.

Now that I have read two books by her and also watched the HBO film Temple Grandin, I am dying to meet her. I know it might not be the kind of reunion most would hope for. But it would probably be the final piece in this puzzle that I just started putting back together.  

Although we are not identical in how we look at the world, she is closer to how I think than anyone I have ever met. She has a rolodex in her brain... and so do I. Smells and sounds bring me back to places so vividly that, as a child, it always seemed to vivid. More than what others saw and felt. And if it felt that way it is because it was.

I have been trying to find a way to meet Temple. The thought consumes my mind. Just last night I looked on the web and found out that Temple will be giving a lecture in AZ & WA, I have to find a way to get there. Step one, ask my parents, friends, the world if they would help out. If not the saving begins.

I picture us meeting, no hugs, just a handshake- but not because she doesn't care, it's just how Temple faces the world. She is an amazing lady and if you haven't already read a book by her, just grab one and you will see what I mean. Hopefully sooner than later I get to achieve this new goal of mine...

My journey of learning will always continue, but I can say without a doubt that this new discovery in my life will only help me grow. I hope you all choose to grow & learn with me.

Temple Grandin, if by chance you read this or come across this: I truly admire you, Thank you.

<3

Here is a direct link:
Dr. Temple Grandin's Official Site