By Henry Piarrot
“The unhappy person resents it when you try to cheer him up, because that means he has to stop dwelling on himself and start paying attention to the universe. Unhappiness is the ultimate form of self-indulgence. When you’re unhappy, you get to pay a lot of attention to yourself. You get to take yourself oh so very seriously.” ― American Author, Tom Robbins
Jude Nicoholas Lally was born on July 20, 1982 in Maysville, KY. He is the younger of his parents’ two children. Athletic and smart, young Jude played football, baseball and wrestled in high school, while making the Principal’s list time after time.
Jude began experiencing coordination problems as he began his teenage years, but most wrote it off to the clumsiness that goes along with growing into your feet. However, the symptoms over time got worse instead of better and it became obvious that something was definitely wrong. Just before his sophomore year I July 1998, Jude was diagnosed with an almost unheard of condition called Friedreich’s Ataxia.
Friedreich’s Ataxia is a rare and unforgiving disease that is passed down through unsuspecting families that affects the muscles and heart. This disease is caused by a defect in a gene called Frataxin. Changes in this gene cause the body to produce too much of part of DNA called Trinucleotide Repeat. Therefore, Friedreich’s Ataxia is an autosomal recessive genetic disorder, which means you must get a copy of the defective gene from both your mother and father. Approximately 1 in every 25,000 develops this disease. Family history of the condition raises your risk and symptoms are caused by the deterioration of structures in areas of the brain and spinal cord that control coordination, muscle movement and sensory functions. Symptoms generally begin to appear in childhood, but some may take longer to notice.
Suddenly confusion, fear and depression took control of the young man’s thoughts. “Why me?” He asked God many times. But thru it all, Jude still managed to graduate from high school in 2000 and earn a business degree from the University of Kentucky in 2006.
His resume was impressive, but by the time he was ready to find a job he was already confined to a wheelchair. He was called in for many interviews, but believes in his heart that his condition turned off many potential employers. So, Jude Lally decided to work for himself.
Lally became a writer and poet, hoping to give the rest of us a glimpse of the world from his wheelchair. Published by Accents Publishing, in February 2010, Jude released his first book of original poetry entitled “The View From Down Here.” Recently, in February 2012, the young poet released his second book called, “I’m Fine, But Thanks for Asking.” Both are enlightening, poignant and creative collections from the heart of a man who would have easily been forgiven for quitting, but chose to live and inspire all who know him with his determination and courage.
I encourage all who appreciate poetry and thoughtful insights, to go on Amazon.com and become filled with the grace that comes only from resilience. You can also order a signed copy by emailing judelally@hotmail.com.
Henry Piarrot is a hotel manager and Sevier County resident on assignment in Nashville. Please send all story recommendations to hpiarrot@yahoo.com
