Ten Things I Learned from Bill Porter Ch 2

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Questions and Answers

What condition did Irene Porter suspect about her son Bill as he grew?

  • Cerebral palsy (correct)
  • Autism spectrum disorder
  • Down syndrome
  • Brittle bone disease

Which of the following developmental milestones did Bill fail to reach?

  • Crawling (correct)
  • Talking
  • Walking
  • Eating solids

What method did Irene learn about to test Bill's reflexes?

  • The grab test
  • The parachute test (correct)
  • The laughter test
  • The balance test

What did the birth certificate indicate about Bill's health at birth?

<p>He had no known health issues (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was Irene's primary concern regarding Bill's development?

<p>He could not feed himself (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary reason Bill believes he needs to look his best before going door-to-door selling?

<p>He believes appearance is essential in sales. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How did Bill manage his morning routine after Irene became ill?

<p>He began to seek help from hotel staff for getting ready. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was one of the major financial mistakes that Bill made?

<p>He accepted a mortgage package with high interest. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How did Bill's approach to door-to-door sales reflect his personality?

<p>He maintained a positive attitude despite frequent rejections. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What did Bill do when he received an inflated estimate for home repairs?

<p>He sought a second opinion and confirmed the error. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What did the specialists predict about Bill's future after his diagnosis?

<p>He would be mentally retarded and require institutionalization. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How did Irene respond to the doctors' recommendations for Bill's care?

<p>She vowed to understand and conquer Bill's illness. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What significant change did Ernest make to support Bill and his therapy?

<p>He took a job at the Berry School to better understand Bill's disability. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was Bill's perspective on his condition as he grew older?

<p>He viewed it as part of his journey, focusing on the future. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What key factor contributed to the decrease in incidents of cerebral palsy in modern times?

<p>Advancements in pre- and post-natal care. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Congenital Crippling Deformities

Physical disabilities that are present at birth.

Cerebral palsy

A group of disorders of movement, muscle tone, and posture caused by damage to the developing brain.

Parachute test

A test to assess a baby's reflex of spreading arms and legs during a fall to protect itself.

Child Development Stages

Different phases of growth and abilities in a child's life.

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Irene Porter's Observations

Irene's meticulous observation of her son's development that led her to suspect a developmental delay.

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Cerebral Palsy

A group of disorders affecting movement, muscle tone, or posture. It's often caused by a lack of oxygen to the brain during or shortly after birth.

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Bill Porter's Cerebral Palsy

Bill's condition was caused by brain damage from forceps use during birth, a common cause of CP, although more rare now due to medical improvements.

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Porter family's reaction

Initially devastated by Bill's diagnosis, the Porters adapted. They found ways to support and care for him, accepting it as part of life's difficult choices.

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Bill's perspective on CP

Bill viewed his CP as part of his past, not something to dwell on. He focused on his future and accomplishments.

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Importance of Prenatal and Postnatal Care

Improved care reduces the incidence of CP by addressing potential causes, such as lack of oxygen to the brain during childbirth.

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Bill's Morning Routine

Bill's daily routine involves getting ready for work, including dressing, breakfast, and organizing paperwork before catching a bus to his sales territory (West Hills).

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Bill's Sales Strategy

Bill's sales approach involves visiting every home in his territory, regardless of whether it appears occupied or not, trusting that future customers who say 'yes' will make up for the no's.

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Bill's Financial Challenges

Bill faced financial hardships, including high-interest loans, medical bills, and inflated repair costs that led to significant financial strains near bankruptcy.

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Bill's Honesty in Sales

Bill's integrity in sales is his commitment to truthfulness, accuracy, and transparency about products, and their delivery. He doesn't hide customer satisfaction guarantee.

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Bill's Perseverance

Despite rejections, negative feedback, and hardships, Bill never gives up hope, persevering through his sales and daily work.

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Study Notes

William Porter's Life with Cerebral Palsy

  • William Douglas Porter born September 9, 1932, with no apparent congenital deformities.
  • Early signs of cerebral palsy emerged, including clenched hand, arched back.
  • Mother, Irene, researched child development and noticed Bill's delayed milestones.
  • Doctor diagnosed cerebral palsy, predicting mental retardation and institutionalization.
  • Irene and Ernest refused to give up on him.

Parental Dedication and Support

  • Ernest quit his sales job to work with handicapped children.
  • Irene worked as a cook, supporting the family.
  • Both parents devoted themselves to Bill's care and therapy.

Bill's Perspective and Resilience

  • Bill learned to develop his muscles, speech, and self-reliance.
  • He doesn't dwell on his past struggles, focusing on the future.
  • He maintains optimism and a positive attitude.
  • He overcame financial crises, including back surgery, medical bills, and a refinancing blunder.

Bill's Work Ethic and Sales Success

  • Bill's sales success in the Watkins products business
  • Perseverance through rejection
  • Exceptional attention to detail and appearance.
  • Reliance on others for daily tasks, especially after Irene's illness.

Impact of Irene's Illness and Bill's Adaptability

  • Irene's illness (Alzheimer's) forced Bill to adjust to daily living aids.
  • Maintaining Irene's high housekeeping standards
  • Seeking assistance for self-care tasks

Author's Reflection and Inspiration from Bill

  • The author reflects on Bill's perseverance as an inspiration for her own life.
  • She links Bill's approach to her personal struggles and growth.
  • The author's own past experiences and how it's influenced her present behaviour.

Importance of Moving Forward

  • The passage emphasizes focusing on the future rather than dwelling on the past.
  • Bill's experience, as well as the author's own life, highlight embracing the present and striving for positive outcomes.

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