I sure didn’t used to see humor in my stuttering or getting made fun of. But I guess as you get older, you see things differently, or should anyway. Otherwise, how do we de-mystify it for kids coming up behind us and impart to them that they shouldn’t take things too personally? It’s hard, but usually when I step away from the moment, its not all that bad.

So, I am going to see what humor can be found in these recent little blips on the radar.

I like to play lottery numbers. That is probably my worst vice these days. I spend a couple of bucks on a daily number and usually play the big jackpot games too. Hey, you gotta be in it to win it. I play numbers at the same store a few times a week. When I went in there recently, I  told the clerk what I wanted like I always do. The number was 992 – it came out n-n-n-nine-nine-two. The clerk laughed and repeated it back just like that, asking me if I was sure I wanted six numbers in a three number game. I got embarrassed, felt my face get red, and tried to repeat it. I stuttered again on the same sound. He laughed and mimicked me again.  Aaargh! So the humor in this was . . . . .  I should have told him I was bucking for three times the prize if I won!

When I went to the deli to order some american cheese, I blocked on the “A” and it came out like “ah-ah-ah-ah”- couldn’t get the word american out. The guy knew what I wanted – I get the same thing every week. 

Sometimes I say the brand first, to ease the words out. I didn’t this time, and he made me pay. He made some dumb comment like “Who ever heard of someone not being able to say what they want? Just for that, you will have to buy the chicken wings that are on sale tonight.” I was astonished that this guy actually said that. But, I have since shared this story with people who stutter and people who don’t, and the general reaction: people have burst out laughing. I guess its so hard to believe that someone said it, that its actually funny. So, now its my chicken wing story!

When I drove my partner’s car over to my mom’s house on Mother’s Day, her neighbors were walking in their house just as I drove up. My mom’s husband has a very similar car. Neighbor says, “whoa, you trying to compete with Paul? Where did you get the ride?”  I started to say, “Its my hus-hus-hus-husband’s car”. The guy busts out laughing, and says “How many husbands do you have? Tell us. We won’t tell.” I was embarrassed and just said Happy Mother’s Day. I should have said ” I have four husbands – do you want to take a number?”

Easier said than done – yes. But you can’t take this stuff too seriously. Its not worth it. We have to have a thick skin if we want kids and teens to stand up for themselves and not let little stuff get to them.

Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff!  Happy Stuttering Awareness Week!