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?

He had no known health issues Signup and view all the answers

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

He could not feed himself 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?

He believes appearance is essential in sales. Signup and view all the answers

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

He began to seek help from hotel staff for getting ready. Signup and view all the answers

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

He accepted a mortgage package with high interest. Signup and view all the answers

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

He maintained a positive attitude despite frequent rejections. Signup and view all the answers

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

He sought a second opinion and confirmed the error. Signup and view all the answers

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

He would be mentally retarded and require institutionalization. Signup and view all the answers

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

She vowed to understand and conquer Bill's illness. Signup and view all the answers

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

He took a job at the Berry School to better understand Bill's disability. Signup and view all the answers

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

He viewed it as part of his journey, focusing on the future. Signup and view all the answers

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

Advancements in pre- and post-natal care. Signup and view all the answers

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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Description

Explore the inspiring journey of William Douglas Porter, who was born with cerebral palsy. This quiz highlights the unwavering support from his parents and Bill's remarkable resilience in overcoming challenges. Delve into his life story and learn how determination and optimism played crucial roles in his personal development.