DEFINTIONS

Gary Coleman died this past week.

"Coleman was born with a congenital kidney disease which stunted his growth at an early age; as a result he is only 4' 8" tall. His height became his most distinguishing feature."

"He (had) congenital kidney disease caused by Focal Segmental Glomerulosclerosis. A Focal Segmental Glomerulosclerosis is an autoimmune disease where in there is destruction and alteration of the kidney which causes stunted growth. He had undergone kidney transplant and requires daily dialysis."

 

Yesterday my son-in-law claimed he was distinguished by his height - although in the reverse direction from Gary Coleman - Blake is 6'8".

 

I beg to differ... well, actually I'm not 'begging,' I SHOUT that THIS IS INCORRECT.

 

(Okay, Hope, go back to using an "inside" voice)

 

Some people are known for their physical traits - Andre the Giant wouldn't have gotten much attention if he was not a giant - Willie Shoemaker as an incredible jockey - Wilt Chamberlain would still have been a basketball great, I'll bet, but his height didn't hurt, right?

And if Elizabeth Taylor didn't have her face - Dolly Parton her chest measurements - well, it helps make them memorable at the very least. 

 

But for the majority of us, yes, we may be known as the "lady who brings brownies", or the "teacher who yells a lot" or even "the tall guy who works over in the next section." It may be a tag, an oddity, even, a way to point you out in a crowd,

But I doubt that unless your career, your corporal challenges in regular pubic situations are based on something you are physically, then it is NOT a "defining" term.

I await your apology, Blake.