Adam Hewber

My story would not be what it is today had it not been for the support and encouragement I received from so many people throughout the years. They are too numerous to mention, but you all know who you are. Thank you for your assistance and your encouragement.

I am sure many Australians have similar stories to share, and some are even more exciting than mine. I encourage you to share your story. Here is mine.

I was born with a cyst on the brain and later diagnosed with spastic paraparesis. My extended family has roots in Central Europe and the UK, with the majority living in Australia for generations. Born in Subiaco, Western Australia, I consider myself a dinky-di Aussie and a bit of a larrikin. But, of course, to be politically correct, I am an import, as I am not one of the original Australians. 

I was fortunate to have experienced both city and country living. I have lived through many exciting and sometimes dangerous experiences through luck and determination. Electrocuted by sticking a knife into the toaster or burning my arm on a hot exhaust were just ordinary childhood learning experiences.

Rolling my car in an accident was more exciting but not very useful. Trying to be like all my teenage friends took me down a path that could have ended in dire consequences, but the universe had other ideas. For years I was always trying to be like everyone else. Then, finally, it dawned on me, "I am not like everyone else". I am artistic and can see the big picture in life. 

As a little boy, I did not consider having physical challenges even though I had difficulty balancing and just too many falls to remember. Medical professionals frequently pressed and prodded me and described my condition with tricky words or explained it simply as weak legs and balance problems. Education officials at school enrolment suggested I was a slow learner, and my balance issues would require a wheelchair. It was therefore deemed not in my best interest to attend ordinary schooling. Finally, I was registered in a regular school through my parent's determination.

After starting school, the family had a tree change and relocated to a small rural holding where I suddenly had more freedom and fewer restrictions. Surrounded by nature and livestock allowed me to experience farm animals, have a cubby house, and even a little pony. However, balancing was a problem. I continually slid off the pony as my legs were not strong enough to use the stirrups. So, I became an expert in inspecting the dirt and seeing the world from a different perspective, with my very patient pony giving me a curious look.    

Growing up in a rural setting, I learned to appreciate nature. I often rehomed wayward bugs, snails, lizards and caterpillars or lined them up in the grass for a race. At other times I would inspect the vegetable garden or the tunnel house where we grew produce for sale. If I found a strawberry or a ripe tomato before my dog or the blue tongue lizard found it, that was a pleasant surprise. 

I loved climbing the moss-covered granite outcrop, chasing lizards or exploring the small property, talking to a couple of mares and their foals, or watching sheep and kangaroos in the next paddock. But, my cubby house was my private space. It was perched halfway up on a tree and offered a grand vista of the place. Homemade and constructed with rough timber left me with many splinters to remember my excursions. 

My schoolyears were primarily spent being taught life skills in Special Educated Centres of different schools. People thought I had mental as well as physical challenges. In hindsight, I now understand that concentrating on moving my body took all my attention, and I often missed the teacher's instructions.