Last night I was in the grocery store when all of a sudden I heard a barking noise...like a dog----thinking there is no way there can be dogs in this grocery store I began looking around to figure out where the noise was coming from. All eyes were on this gentleman and his family and it took me a minute to figure out why UNTIL the guy began barking and twitching uncontrollably. It was obvious the guy had Tourettes Syndrome, and it was obvious that he was used to numb-nuts, like myself, staring at him. My first thought (and I hate to admit this but...) was "oh, the poor guy" but as I followed him in the store buying my groceries, my opinion quickly changed. In between barks and twitches he interacted with his children, disiplined them when he needed to but always in a kinding and gentle manner. He lovingly put his arm around his wifes shoulder once and both of them seemed very happy...content. He wasn't hanging his head in shame and the kids didn't seem to be bothered by his interruptions of barking or twitching one little bit. Neither did his wife. And even the numb-nuts like myself quit staring. It was apparent that he wasn't looking for any pity from ME or anyone else. Because he felt so comfortable in HIS skin, he made me feel comfortable---- along with about 95% of the store that day. I quite clearly remember the days after my surgery and how people reacted to my scared, swollen face or how they strained their ears when I spoke my first few words after losing over two-thirds of my tongue. I wore a LOT of turttle necks---had one in every color---still do. But as time went by things did get a bit easier for me and now I no longer pay attention to people looking at me (I'm not even sure they do anymore) Once in awhile I'll have a child look at my face and ask "what happened to you" but even those days are few and far between. I'm guessing it's because like the guy with Torrettes Syndrome, I have learned to just carry on with my life. I hope as time passes your disfigurement gets a bit easier for you. As we all know, its whats inside that really counts anyway. Sincerely, Donna