it was brought to my attention...

Taq · Post by **Taq** » Sun Feb 12, 2006 11:03 am

Hey, Andrea! Like some have remarked, this does not change my view of you at all. One of my brothers was born with a cleft lip and palate, so I'm used to being around him. As for that friend of yours, that is his problem. You are skillfully wrought by God.

WINDSHEAR · Post by **WINDSHEAR** » Sun Feb 12, 2006 3:02 pm

you're still a human being, you are still one of God's children, we're all different in some way, some more than others, but we are all His children. The outside isn't what matters, it's what's on the inside.

Having a defect would in no way make me consider you as less, or less of a friend.

Aelwyn · Post by **Aelwyn** » Sun Feb 12, 2006 10:21 pm

Itaque wrote:Hey, Andrea! Like some have remarked, this does not change my view of you at all. One of my brothers was born with a cleft lip and palate, so I'm used to being around him. As for that friend of yours, that is his problem. You are skillfully wrought by God.

That reminds me of that verse in Psalms, "I will praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made."
I'm afraid I forget the exact reference, though.

Jennifer Doyle · Post by **Jennifer Doyle** » Mon Feb 13, 2006 11:00 am

That would be Psalm 139:14.

Aelwyn · Post by **Aelwyn** » Mon Feb 13, 2006 2:34 pm

Jennifer Doyle wrote:That would be Psalm 139:14.

Thanks Jennifer Doyle.

totustuus · Post by **totustuus** » Mon Feb 13, 2006 4:40 pm

That's actually kind of awesome!

Andrea Meltsner · Post by **Andrea Meltsner** » Mon Feb 13, 2006 4:42 pm

totustuus wrote:That's actually kind of awesome!

what that I was born with a gaping hole in my mouth?

I know what you meant.

oh and Thanks Jen.

Rachael Blackgaard · Post by **Rachael Blackgaard** » Tue Feb 14, 2006 8:31 am

I can't believe people would really be like that, Andrea... :-( You have my empathy and understanding, even if I haven't experience what you have on such a large scale.

I have a big birthmark on my scalp where I scraped my head against my mom's hip bone in utero. It's red and bumpy and hair won't grow on it. I usually keep it covered by parting my hair so you can't see it, but sometimes people see it and freak out or think I have something contagious.

Since I know what cleft lip and cleft palate are, I can't imagine ever feeling weird around someone because of it. Maybe at first, until I found out how much it bothered them, but after that I don't think it's something I would think of much.

NatetheGreat · Post by **NatetheGreat** » Tue Feb 14, 2006 10:05 am

forever_faithful wrote:You know what? That doesn't change my view of you at all. Sure, people are different. But that's the best part of being Christians all in God's family. You accept them for who they are.

We love you, Andrea!

Ditto

Danadelfos · Post by **Danadelfos** » Wed Feb 15, 2006 4:02 pm

totustuus wrote:That's actually kind of awesome!

Lol that's actually kind of funny.

ajamj · Post by **ajamj** » Sun Feb 19, 2006 5:59 pm

There are some people who freak out over anything that is different or unknown to them.

Jonathan · Post by **Jonathan** » Mon Feb 20, 2006 12:25 am

I've been putting off posting in this thread, simply b/c I can relate. Which in turn is also a good reason to post here (it's a paradox

)

While I wasn't born with a cleft lip, I was born with a, lets say, unique voice. I had to deal with a lot of kids in my early school years that decided that I wasn't worth anything b/c of that (which I never let bother me that much; I once even convinced a kid that I didn't talk funny, but that he listend funny

).

Point is, I can say from experience that if people are ready to dismiss you b/c of something so trivial, that has no bearing on who you are as a person and what not, that's their problem. Not always an easy thing to convince yourself of, I know, but it's true nonetheless.

And I'm sure it will come as no surprise, but this doesn't change my opinion of you at all

Frank · Post by **Frank** » Mon Feb 20, 2006 9:38 am

Jonathan wrote:While I wasn't born with a cleft lip, I was born with a, lets say, unique voice. I had to deal with a lot of kids in my early school years that decided that I wasn't worth anything b/c of that (which I never let bother me that much; I once even convinced a kid that I didn't talk funny, but that he listend funny ).

Jonathan, Trent and I both agree that you have the awesomest voice ever! $\:D/$

And for AM: My little cousin that my sister went to adopt has a severe double cleft palate and lip. I know how you feel, AM darling, it's so unsettling for most people...but my little cousin has demonstrated a character and personality so sweet that I don't even notice her lip. The same goes for you, AM...though I've never seen you, your personality shines so bright I hereby declare you "normal". (Or, as normal as ToOers can get.

)

Andrea Meltsner · Post by **Andrea Meltsner** » Mon Feb 20, 2006 9:45 am

Frank wrote:
Jonathan wrote:While I wasn't born with a cleft lip, I was born with a, lets say, unique voice. I had to deal with a lot of kids in my early school years that decided that I wasn't worth anything b/c of that (which I never let bother me that much; I once even convinced a kid that I didn't talk funny, but that he listend funny ).
Jonathan, Trent and I both agree that you have the awesomest voice ever! $\:D/$

And for AM: My little cousin that my sister went to adopt has a severe double cleft palate and lip. I know how you feel, AM darling, it's so unsettling for most people...but my little cousin has demonstrated a character and personality so sweet that I don't even notice her lip. The same goes for you, AM...though I've never seen you, your personality shines so bright I hereby declare you "normal". (Or, as normal as ToOers can get. )

Jonathan I am sure you have a great voice!
Aww Frank, that is so sweet that your sister adopted her daughter.

I am sure she is a great little kid. Thanks Frank.

Frank · Post by **Frank** » Mon Feb 20, 2006 10:21 am

Andrea Meltsner wrote:
Frank wrote:
Jonathan wrote:While I wasn't born with a cleft lip, I was born with a, lets say, unique voice. I had to deal with a lot of kids in my early school years that decided that I wasn't worth anything b/c of that (which I never let bother me that much; I once even convinced a kid that I didn't talk funny, but that he listend funny ).
Jonathan, Trent and I both agree that you have the awesomest voice ever! $\:D/$

And for AM: My little cousin that my sister went to adopt has a severe double cleft palate and lip. I know how you feel, AM darling, it's so unsettling for most people...but my little cousin has demonstrated a character and personality so sweet that I don't even notice her lip. The same goes for you, AM...though I've never seen you, your personality shines so bright I hereby declare you "normal". (Or, as normal as ToOers can get. )
Jonathan I am sure you have a great voice!
Aww Frank, that is so sweet that your sister adopted her daughter. I am sure she is a great little kid. Thanks Frank.

She is such a cute little kid...and just so ya know...my sister went to help my aunt adopt Lulu...and so I have a cousin. (not a niece.) My darling sister's only 15.

I love you AM!

dancer02248 · Post by **dancer02248** » Mon Feb 20, 2006 10:37 am

I hate when pople judge others for things that they had absolutley no controll over...but on a very small scale, I know how selfconscious little things can make me feel, and I am very sorry that you have been teased for this.

We all love you!

Frank · Post by **Frank** » Mon Feb 20, 2006 10:39 am

I want in on the group hug!

Andrea Meltsner · Post by **Andrea Meltsner** » Mon Feb 20, 2006 10:50 am

Frank wrote:
Andrea Meltsner wrote:
Frank wrote:
Jonathan wrote:While I wasn't born with a cleft lip, I was born with a, lets say, unique voice. I had to deal with a lot of kids in my early school years that decided that I wasn't worth anything b/c of that (which I never let bother me that much; I once even convinced a kid that I didn't talk funny, but that he listend funny ).
Jonathan, Trent and I both agree that you have the awesomest voice ever! $\:D/$

And for AM: My little cousin that my sister went to adopt has a severe double cleft palate and lip. I know how you feel, AM darling, it's so unsettling for most people...but my little cousin has demonstrated a character and personality so sweet that I don't even notice her lip. The same goes for you, AM...though I've never seen you, your personality shines so bright I hereby declare you "normal". (Or, as normal as ToOers can get. )
Jonathan I am sure you have a great voice!
Aww Frank, that is so sweet that your sister adopted her daughter. I am sure she is a great little kid. Thanks Frank.
She is such a cute little kid...and just so ya know...my sister went to help my aunt adopt Lulu...and so I have a cousin. (not a niece.) My darling sister's only 15.

I love you AM!

oh, I said what! lol sorry, your cousin...

*feels much loved*

*AM feels loving feelings twards everyone.

NatetheGreat · Post by **NatetheGreat** » Tue Feb 21, 2006 12:22 pm

I just remembered, my cousen's son has a clef lip (or how ever you spell it).

Kat · Post by **Kat** » Sat Apr 15, 2006 2:36 pm

I don't have a disability persay, but I have had 4 surgerys on my ears, and yet I still have hearing loss and a tube in 1 ear