Hey John,

Like I said - I just went to my first support group and you'd be surprised who is there. They have all walked in your shoes, if not worse.

At the group I met a guy who had cancer in his larynx and had to have his voice box removed. He cannot talk for the rest of his life and was still there.

I also met another guy who they told me was on a feeding tube for so long that he thought he would be on it permanently. Well, I guess the group decided to have a "soup night" and the feeding tube guy finally was able to eat for the first time at that special event.

Support groups aren't for everyone - but I learned something new when I went. And Im all about putting faces to names so I really liked it. The guys there never heard about the OCF - so it may help you connect on a different level. They may be able to offer some job advice - or possibly lead to networking opportunities - you never know.

Funny thing is I used to be a very negative person. Would always say "no" to the point where friends and family were like "you need to watch that movie Yes Man" Now I choose to be open about things.

What do you have to lose by trying? Do you have any type of smartphone or iPad that allows apps? There are apps called "type to talk." Get creative buddy!