That is Not Me

That is Not Me: A Journey of Perception is based on a poem the author wrote during her early twenties. Growing up in the 1960s and ‘70s, L.J. Nelson struggled to understand who she was as a Little Person diagnosed with Achondroplasia. During that time, very little scientific or medical research was available regarding the causes of, and support for, the rare conditions of skeletal dysplasia. Raised to be an independent and resourceful woman by her loving family, L.J. only gradually realized that she was “different.” After challenging teen years, L.J. struggled to embrace the realities of her differences as a young adult, but she gradually learned an approach to life that has seen her ride a bike, play the piano and saxophone, and establish her professional career as a Special Educator. This is her memoir. It is about relationships—with her family, friends, strangers, and even herself. It is about her experiences. Told with refreshing frankness, strong doses of humour, and, at times, raw emotion, That is Not Me is a testament to tenacity. It is a story about choices, change, enlightenment, and, above all, encouragement.