An Integrated English Course Book 2 Unit Eight. Learning Objectives By the end of this unit, you are supposed to understand the main idea, structure of.

An Integrated English Course

Book 2

Unit Eight

Learning ObjectivesBy the end of this unit, you are supposed tounderstand the main idea, structure of the text and the authors writing style master the key language points and grammatical structures in the textconsider the readiness to help others even in the time of adversity.

Teaching ProcedurePre-reading QuestionsText I. Fourteen Steps Passage Structure analysis Main idea of the passage Language points sentence studies vocabulary studiesText II. The Power of Belief

Pre-reading1. CAN an invalid lead a happy life? Please explain.2. How would you show your appreciation if somebody helps you when you are in trouble?

Text I Fourteen StepsThey say a cat has nine lives, and I am inclined to think that possible since I am now living my third life and Im not even a cat. My first life began on a clear, cold day in November 1934, when I arrived as the sixth of eight children of a farming family. My father died when I was 15, and we had a hard struggle to make a living. As the children grew up, they married, leaving only one sister and myself to support and care for Mother, who became paralyzed in her last years and died while still in her 60s. My sister married soon after, and I followed her example within the year.This was when I began to enjoy my first life. I was very happy, in excellent health, and quite a good athlete. My wife and I became the parents of two lovely girls. I had a good job in San Jose and a beautiful home up the peninsula in San Carlos. Life was a pleasant dream. Then the dream ended. I became afflicted with a slowly progressive disease of the motor nerves, affecting first my right arm and leg, and then my other side. Thus began my second life

In spite of my disease I still drove to and from work each day, with the aid of special equipment installed in my car. And I managed to keep my health and optimism, to a degree, because of 14 steps.Crazy? Not at all. Our home was a split-level affair with 14 steps leading up from the garage to the kitchen door. Those steps were a gauge of life. They were my yardstick, my challenge to continue living. I felt that if the day arrived when I was unable to lift one foot up one step and then drag the other painfully after it --- repeating the process 14 times until, utterly spent, I would be through --- I could then admit defeat and lie down and die. So I kept on working, kept on climbing those steps,. And time passed. The girls went to college and were happily married, and my wife and I were alone in our beautiful home with the 14 steps.

You might think that here walked a man of courage and strength. Not so. Here hobbled a bitterly disillusioned cripple, a man who held on to his sanity and his wife and his home and his job because of 14 miserable steps leading up to the back door from his garage. As I became older, I became more disillusioned and frustrated.Then on a dark night in August 1971, I began my third life. I was raining when I started home that night; gusty winds and slashing rain beat down on the car as I drove slowly down one of the less-traveled roads. Suddenly the steering wheel jerked in my hands and car swerved violently to the right. In the same instant I heard the dreaded bang of a blowout. I fought the car to stop on the rain-slick shoulder of the road and sat there as the enormity of the situation swept over me. It was impossible for me to change that tire! Utterly impossible! A thought that a passing motorist might stop was dismissed at once. Why should anyone? I knew I wouldnt!

Then I remembered that a short distance up a little side road was a house. I started the engine and thumped slowly along, keeping well over one the shoulder until I came to the dirt road, where I turned in--- thankfully. Lighted windows welcomed me to the house and I pulled into the driveway and honked the horn.The door opened and a little girl stood there, peering at me. I rolled down the window and called out that I had a flat tire and needed someone to change it for me because I have a crutch and couldnt do it myself. She went into the house and a moment later came out bundled in raincoat and hat, followed by a man who called a cheerful greeting. I sat there comfortable and dry, and felt a bit sorry for the man and the little girl working so hard in the storm. Well, I would pay them for it.

The rain seemed to be slackening a bit now, and I rolled down the window all the way to watch. It seemed to me that they were awfully slow and I was beginning to become impatient. I heard the clank of metal from the metal from the back of the car and little girls voice came clearly to me. Heres the jack-handle, Grandpa. She was answered by the murmur of the mans lower voice and slow tilting of the car as it was jacked up. There followed a long interval of noises, jolts and low conversation from the back of the car, but finally it was done. I felt the car bump as the jack was removed, and I heard the slam of the truck lid, and then they were standing at my car window.He was an old man, stooped and frail-looking under his slicker. The little girl was about eight or ten, I judged, with a merry face and a wide smile as she looked up at me. He said, This is a bad night for car trouble, but youre all set now. Thanks, I said. How much do I owe you? He shook his head. Nothing, Cynthia told me you were a cripple--- on crutches. Glad to be of help. I know youd do the same for me. Theres no charge, friend. I held out a five-dollar bill. No! I like to pay my way. He made no effort to take it and the little girl stepped closer to the window and said quietly, Grandpa cant see it.

In the next few frozen seconds the shame and horror of that moment penetrated and I was sick with and intensity I had never felt before. A blind man and a child! Fumbling, feeling with cold, wet fingers for bolts and tools in the dark--- a darkness that for him would probably never end until death. I dont remember how long I sat there after the said good night and left me, but it was long enough for me to search deep within myself and find some disturbing traits. I realized that I was filled to overflowing with self-pity, selfishness, indifference to the needs of others and thoughtlessness. I sat there and said a prayer.Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them; for this is the law and the prophets. To me now, months later, this Scriptural admonition is more than just a passage in the Bible. It is a way of life, one that I am trying to follow. It isnt always easy. Sometimes it is frustrating, sometimes expensive in both time and money, but the value is there. I am trying now not only to climb 14 steps each day, but in my small way to help others. Someday, perhaps, I will change a tire for a blind man in a car --- someone as blind as I had been. 1220words

Structural analysisThe text can be divided into four parts.

Part One: (Paragraphs 1-2) These two paragraphs are about the authors first life which could be further divided into two phases.

Part Two: (Paragraphs 3-5): the second life the author has, which is about his disease and the effect of the14 steps to him. In these three paragraphs, the author depicts his life afflicted by the disease, especially the difficulty in climbing the 14 steps. The author confides to us his frustration and disillusionment through his reactions to the rhetorical questions and the assumptions of others. Thus we see his dread that he would be through--- if he could not one day repeat the process of climbing the steps.

Part Three: (Para. 6-8): the third life the author has, which is about the help he received from a blind man and his daughter when his car didnt workPart Four: (Para. 9-10): These two concluding paragraphs are the authors reflection on the incident and his life philosophy, from which he discovered the true value of life.

Main Idea of the passage

A cripple narrates his three lives and highlights his experience on a stormy night when a blind man and a child changed a car tire for him. He reflects on his own blindness as he used to immerse himself in self-pity and selfishness but be indifferent to the needs of others.

Language pointsThey say a cat has nine lives.: A proverb. Cats are very tough and seem able to survive accidents or hardship. I fought the car to stop on the rain-slick shoulder of the road and sat there as the enormity of the situation swept over me. I parked the car difficultly on the wet shoulder of the road and the seriousness and helplessness of the situation gripped me.In the next few frozen seconds the shame and horror of that moment penetrated and I was sick with an intensity I had never felt before.In the next few seemingly never-ending seconds I was never so overwhelmed by shame and horror.Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets.Therefore, do to other people whatever you would like them to do to you, because its the rule.

Be inclined to: to be likely or tend toMiddle-class victims are more inclined to contact the police.I dont feel inclined to talk to him.Collocation:be inclined to/forward be inclined forAre you inclined for a walk?

Care for To look afterHe is very good at caring for sick old people.Caring for a nervous injured bird requires a lot of patience.

paralyze v. 1) to make unable to move or actHe is paralyzed by fear. 2) to impair the progress or functioning of sth.; to make sth. inoperative or powerlessBusiness is totally paralyzed.Derivation: paralysis n. paralytic adj.

Follow ones example: to imitateBrian persuaded his brother to follow his example and join the army.I suggest you follow Jeds example and take some regular exercises.

peninsula n. a piece of land that projects into a body of water and is connected with the mainland by an isthmusThe Korean Peninsula is on the east of China.Comparison: peninsula, islandisland: a land mass, especially one smaller than a continent, entirely surrounded by water

afflict v. 1) to inflict grievous physical or mental suffering onHe is afflicted with the plague.2) to cause great unhappiness for; to distressShe was afflicted by the death of her parents.Comparison: afflict, agonize, rack, torment, tortureThese verbs mean to bring great harm or suffering to someone.be afflicted with arthritis be agonized to see her suffering be racked with cancer be tormented by migrainebe tortured by painful memories

With the aid of: with the help ofThe bacteria can only be seen with the aid of a high-power microscope.

Install. v.1) to set up for useI just installed the washer and dryer.2) to put into an office or a positionThe new president was installed immediately after the election.He has been installed in his new office.3) to placeHe installed himself at the front desk.

split-level adj. having the floor levels of adjoining rooms separated by about half a storyI have decided to buy a split-level ranch house.

utterly adv. completely; absolutely; entirelyYou can be utterly sure of my innocence.Its an utterly idiotic idea.Without UN help it would have been utterly impossible to arrange the conference.Comparison: uttterly, totallyutterly: completely and without qualification (used informally as intensifiers)totally: to a complete degree or to the full or entire extent (used formally)hobble v. to walk or move along haltingly or with difficulty; to limpThe old woman hobbles down to the store every day.The old man hobbled along with the aid of his stick.

Disillusioned: disappointedDisillusioned by his teams performance, the manager resigned.Impossibly high expectations of the new regime have left many voters disillusioned.cripple n.& v.1) a person or animal that is partially disabled or unable to use a limb or limbsWe cannot race a horse that is a cripple. 2) to disable, damage, or impair the functioning ofThe traffic was entirely crippled for a day.a strike that crippled the factory

Hold on to1) to maintain ones gripHe held on to a branch.2) to continue to do something.We will hold on to the end.Cf: hold back1) to retain in ones possession or controlhold back valuable information; hold back tears2) to impede the progress of3) to restrain oneselfhold off 1) to keep at a distance; to resistHold the creditors off2) to stop or delay doing somethingLets hold off until we have more data.

hold up 1) to obstruct or delay2) to rob while armed, often at gunpoint3) to offer or present as an examplehold the essay up as a model for the students 4) to continue to function without losing force or effectiveness; to cope withmanage to hold up under the stressIdiom & Slang:1) hold water: to stand up to critical examinationYour explanation doesnt hold water.2) hold the phone: to stop doing what one is engaged in doing, often used in the imperativeHole the phone. Lets end this argument.3) hold (ones) end up: to fulfill ones part of an agreementFill in the blanks with proper prepositions:1) We hold to our plan.2) You could become a good musician, but your lack of practice is holding you .3) She held her hand in friendship.Key: on, back, out

Lead up to: to come before and result inThe book describes the trial and the events leading up to it in great detail.gusty adj. 1) blowing gusts What a gusty day!2) characterized by sudden outburstsThe gusty wind will attack our city.slash v. 1) to cut or form by cutting with forceful sweeping strokes Well slash a path through the underbrush. 2) to lash with sweeping strokesThe teacher often slashed the students.Conj. as well as, and; used in combination and often rendered as a virgule in print

jerk1) to give a sudden quick thrust, push, pull, or twist toShe jerked out a knife.2) to utter abruptly or sharplyHe jerked out the answer.Collocation:jerk around: to take unfair advantage of, deceive, or manipulate

Fill in the blanks with proper prepositions:1) She jerked the child her lap.2) She jerked a knife suddenly.Key: into out

bang n. / v. 1) a sudden loud noise, as of an explosionHe shut the window with an ear-splitting bang.2) to strike heavily and often repeatedlyThe guns banged away.Collocation: bang away 1) to speak or ask questions in a rapid, aggressive mannerreporters banging away at the official during the press conference2) to work diligently and often at lengthbang away at the project until its finishedbang up: damage extensivelybang up the carbang for the / ones buck: value returned for investment or effortFill in the blanks with proper prepositions:1) Tom bang his leg in the accident.2) She banged the chair the wall.Key: up against

Blowout1) a sudden rupture or bursting, as of an automobile tireWe had a blowout yesterday.We had two blowouts on our auto trip to Shanghai.2) the hole made by such a rupture3) a large party or other social affairLunch was a billion-calorie blowout beside the pool. (Vanity Fair)slick adj. 1) smooth, glossy, and slipperyThe sidewalks are slick with ice.2) superficially attractive and wonderfula slick business deal

enormity n.1) the quality of passing all moral bounds; excessive wickedness or outrageousnessDoes he realize the enormity of his offense?2) the property of being great in size or extentThere is still the enormity of the problem of feeding the worlds population.Sweep v.1) to clean or clear, such as dirt, with or as if with a broom or brushWe are sweeping chimney.2) to clear, drive, or convey with relentless forceThe flood waters swept away everything in their path.sweep (one) off (ones) feet: to cause an immediate and strongly positive response in (a person); to impress deeply

Fill in the blanks with proper prepositions:1) We are sweeping the rubbish.2) A storm swept the country.Key: away. over

Thump v.1) to make a dull soundThe knocker thumped against the front door.The hammer thumped against the wood.2) to beat or vibrate rhythmicallyHer heart was thumping fast.Collocation:thump at thump againstDriveway: n. a private road that connects a house, garage, or other building with the streetThey parked in the driveway.honk v.& n. 1) to cause (a horn) to produce a honkThe geese were honking.2) the cry of a goose (or any sound resembling this)

horn n. 1) a noise made by the driver of an automobile to give warningThe driver is blowing the horn.2) one of the hard, usually permanent structures projecting from the head of certain mammals, such as cattle, consisting of a bony core covered with a sheath of keratinous material

Slang1) blow/toot (ones) own horn: to brag or boast about oneselfStop blowing your own horn.2) draw/haul/pull in (ones) horns to restrain oneself; to draw back; to retreat from a previously taken position, view, or stance; to economize3) on the horns of a dilemma faced with two equally undesirable alternatives

Peer at: to look intently, searchingly, or with difficultyShe is peering at the traffic light.The sun peers above the sea.Comparison: peer at, stare atpeer at: to look searchinglyShe is peering at the tag to read the price.stare at: to look directly and fixedly, often with a wide-eyed gaze

crutch n.1) a staff or support used by the physically injured or disabled one as an aid in walking, usually They walk on crutchs.2) something that gives someone support or helpHe uses drugs as a psychological crutch.

Bundle v./ n. 1) to tie, wrap, or gather togetherPlease bundle up these magazines2) to dispatch or dispense quickly and with little fuss; to hustleThe teacher bundled the child off to school.He bundled off from home to catch the train.3) to dress (a person) warmlyThey bundled themselves up in winter clothes.Slacken v. 1) (also slacken off) to make or become slower; to slow down The runners slackened their pace.2) to make or become less tense, taut, or firm; to loosenI slackened the line to let the fish swim. clank n.& v.1) a metallic sound, sharp and hard but not resonantThe prisons are clanking their chains.2) to make a sharp, hard, metallic soundHe could hear the clank of distant bells.

Jack 1) tool for exerting pressure or liftinga new screw jackHe lifted the car with a jack to change the flat tire.2) one who does odd or heavy jobs; laborer3) man; usually used as an intensive in such phrases as every man jackCollocation: Union Jack: the national flag of the United KingdomAll shall be well, Jack shall have Gill. Tilt v.1) to cause to slope, as by raising one end; to inclinetilt a soup bowl. Dont tilt your hat sideways.2) to favor one side over another in a dispute; to leanHis views tilt unmistakably to the Arab position.3) n. the act of tilting or the condition of being tiltedIdiom: at full tilt: at full speeda tank moving at full tilt

interval n. 1) the amount of time between two specified instants, events, or statesBus leaves at a short interval.2) the distance between thingsFragile items require interval and cushioningPlease arrange the goods at intervals of ten feet.

frail adj. 1) physically weak; delicateHe has an invalids frail body.2) not strong or substantial; slightThe evidence is too frail to stand up in court.The kite is too frail to fly safely.Derivation: frailtyOne of the frailties of human nature is laziness.

Be all set: to be readyEverytings all set.cf. 1) set about: to start doing or dealing with something, especially something that needs a lot of time and effort2) set off: to make something start happening, especially when you do not intend to do so3) set back: to delay the progress or development of something, or delay someone from finishing somethingIdiom: 1) set (ones) heart on: to be determined to do something2) set foot on: to step onFill in the blanks with proper prepositions:1) News that the claims might be true set widespread panic.2) A team of volunteers set the task with determination.3) Illness had set me a couple of weeks.Key: off, about, back

Fumble v.1) to touch or handle nervously or idlyfumble with a necktie2) to grope awkwardly to find or to accomplish somethingHe fumbled at the lock3) to proceed awkwardly and uncertainly; to blunderfumble through a speech

overflow with: to be filled beyond capacity, as a container or waterwaya friend overflowing with kindness Her heart was overflowing with affections.cf.overflow into/ontoThe crowd overflowed into the street.

whatsoever pron.& adj.& adv.: whateverWhatsoever I have is yours. Hes had no luck whatsoever.Whatsoever it says, goes.

admonition n.cautionary advice or warningYou should heed his admonition.Your parents admonition is right.Dont repel the faithful admonition of a friend.Comparison: admonition, warningadmonition: cautionary advice about something imminent (especially imminent danger)warning: an intimation, threat, or sign of impending danger or evil

Word comparisonGroup 1: A. steer B. control C. start D. carry E. holdA. Steer means to make (someone or something) go in a particular direction. Id like to steer our discussion back to our original topic.B. Control means to order, limit, instruct, or rule (something or someones actions or behavior). You are going to have to learn to control that temper of yours!C. Start means to (cause to) go into a state of (movement operation, or activity). All our machinery was lost in the fire, so we had to start from scratch.D. Carry means to act as the means by which (a person or thing) is moved from one place to another. The railway system carries over 25% of the countrys goods traffic.E. Hold means to stay in or keep something in a particular place, position, or state. She held the lid down while I locked the suitcase.

Group 2: A. swerve B. bump C. hit D. turn E. stopA. Swerve means to change direction, esp., suddenly. The bus driver swerved to avoid hitting the cyclists.B. Bump means to hit or knock against (something, esp. something solid and heavy) with force or violence. The driver bumped the kerb while reversing.C. Hit means to strike somebody or something with a blow, missile, etc. Hes been hit in the leg by a snipers bullet.D. Turn means to (cause to) change the direction in which you are facing or moving. If you turn over you might find it easier to get to sleep.E. Stop means to (cause to) finish moving or doing (something), or to (cause to) end. They stopped dead in their tracks when they saw the bull charging towards them.

Group 3: A. jerk B. take C. pull D. grab E. catchA. Jerk means to (cause someone or something to) make a short sudden movement. The car made a strange noise and then jerked to a haltB. Take means to move (something) away, esp. without permission, or to remove (esp. clothes). Here is your pen; I took it by mistake.C. Pull means to move (something) towards yourself, sometimes with great physical effort. He pulled the chair away from the desk..D. Grab means to take hold of (something or someone) suddenly and roughly; to take or have quickly He just grabbed the bag from my hand and ran offE. Catch means to take hold of something. I managed to catch the glass before it hit the ground

Group 4: A. slacken B. tighten C. untie D. fasten E. loosenA. Slacken means to make or become slack (not pulled tight). The train slackened speed as we approached the station.B. Tighten means to become tight (closely fastened, held knotted etc.). Shes lost her job so she had to tighten her belt.C. Untie means to unfasten (a knot or something tight). Could someone help Joe untie his shoelace, please?D. Fasten means to make or become firmly fixed together or in position, or closed. The tabloid newspapers have fastened on popular psychology.E. Loosen means to make or become less firm, fixed, tight, etc. You should loosen up your muscles before playing any sport.

Group 5: A. install B. check C. set D. repair E. disassembleA. Install means to put (a large piece of equipment) in a place, esp. to put (a machine) in a place and connect it to the electricity/gas/water/etc. supply, so that it is ready for use. The company will design, supply and install your new kitchenB. Check means to make certain that (something or someone) is correct, safe or suitable by examining it or them quickly. I have checked her references and she seems very suitable for the job.C. Set means to prepare or arrange something for use. I set the camera for a long-distance shot.D. Repair means to put (something damaged, broken, or not working correctly) back into good condition or make it work again; to mend. Can the damage done to international relations be repaired?E. Disassemble means to take apart. disassemble a watch

Translation 1. He is inclined to lose his temper when he is playing with his younger brother.2. Since the accident hes only been able to walk with the aid of a stick.3. I think thats true to a degree, but the situation is not so simple.4. My father said that if we believed that something was true, we should hold on to it.5. Hes very disillusioned at the governments handling of the economy.6. We were all set to go on vacation when we heard of the news.7. The suns rays can penetrate the sea to a depth of 20 meters.8. His flattering words led up to a request for money.

Text II The Power of BeliefYou will never walk again. You will have to use a wheelchair. Unprepared for the doctors grim prognosis, I heard his words fall heavily on my ears, numbing my soul. If I had never felt hopeless before, I felt hopeless then.My catastrophic car accident had left me unconscious and in critical condition. I awakened to find both legs swathed in casts, the left one is traction to aid the healing of a broken hip and pelvis. While I had other serious injuries, my legs were my prime concern. Working as a special-needs teacher and on the go by nature, I couldnt imagine being confined, let alone an invalid.Lying in my bed motionless and relying on prayer, I wondered how I could give my ten-year-old son hope that Mom would heal. Hed been cheerful on every visit, but I saw the fear in his eyes. Looking forward to having totally handicapped mother and the implications of that were weighting heavily on his little shoulders. He needed the ray of hope that I would not be in a wheelchair forever.Just maybe, I thought, I could use this experience to teach what to do when adversity strikes. But I wasnt just being altruistic. I needed something besides my physical healing to sink my Irish stubbornness into --- its that trait that kept me going through the toughest challenge of my life.

It didnt take me long to become impatient with my limited mobility and even with the pace the therapists were willing to go with me. I vowed to learn everything they showed me. Attempting to move on my own at night after the nurses last rounds, Im sure I broke every hospital rule. I needed to make things happen my way. And being confined to a wheelchair the rest of my life didnt fit into my plans.At first, I taught myself to move from the bed to the wheelchair. I made tiny movements for weeks, afraid of falling, but more afraid to just lie in bed. I reached a point where my arms were strong enough to swing me into the chair. Getting out of the chair and back into bed proved more difficult, but I soon developed a method of grabbing the sheets with one hand and the traction bar with the other. I wouldnt win any gymnastics competitions, but it worked; I often wondered what the nurses and therapists would have done if theyd seen me struggling on my own.Once sure I could return myself to the bed from the wheelchair. I began to tackle a walker that had been left in my room by a former hospital roommate. If the nurses noticed that the wheelchair and walker were not they had left them, they werent saying anything. I wondered if a conspiracy of silence had developed: I wouldnt say anything about my secret therapy sessions, and they kept quiet as well.

Every night in my private room, as soon as I knew I wouldnt be interrupted or discovered. I would maneuver myself from the bed to the floor, holding on to the bed rail for dear life, and slowly putting my weight on my feet. After several weeks of these ever so difficult efforts, my strength and confidence continued to build. So came the ultimate challenge; alternating and moving my feet one inch at a time. I had dreams of striding briskly down the halls at school, playing dodge ball at recess, and driving again --- grandiose dreams to be sure, but I knew one thing for certain; there would come a day when the wheelchair would be gone and I would walk.It came the time to share my accomplishments with the person most important to me. One night, before my son arrived for his regular visit, I pulled myself into the chair and stationed the walker in front of me. When I heard him greet the nurses at the station, I dragged myself up. As he opened the door, I took a few small steps. Shocked, he could only watch as I turned and started back to bed. All of the pain, the fear, and the struggle faded as I heard the words I had longed to hear, Mommy, you can wall!I am now able to walk alone, sometimes using a cane. I am able to take public transportation to shop and visit friends. My life has been blessed with many milestones and accomplishments of which I am proud. But none has ever brought me the satisfaction and joy offered by those four little words spoken by my son. 782 words

Main idea of Text II A strong mother, who has been declared invalid for the rest of her life after a car accident, struggles to stand up and walk alone with surprising determination and unimaginable efforts.

Topics for discussion:What do you think made the author stand up again?Do you believe in power of belief? Please illustrate your point with examples.

Words and Expressions for Text IParalyze v. to cause to be unable to movepeninsula n. a piece of land almost completely surrounded by water but joined to a large mass of landAfflict v. to cause severe suffering or painSplit-level a. having floors at different heights in different partsHobble v. to walk with difficultyCripple n. someone who is unable to use his limbs, esp. the legsGusty a. characterized by or blowing in strong rushes of windSlash v. to come hard down and acrossBand n. a sudden loud noiseBlowout n. a sudden bursting of a tyreBack to the text

Slick a. smooth and slipperyEnormity n. the quality of being very great, esp. in difficultyThump v. to produce a repeated dull sound by driving heavilyDriveway n. a road for vehicles that connects a private housePeer at v. to look very carefully or hard atCrutch n. a stick under ones arm, for supporting a person who has difficulty in walkingBundle v. to quickly push sth or sb into sthSlacken v. to become slower or less activeClank n. a short loud soundTilt v. to cause to slopeInterval n. a period of time between activitiesBe all set: to be ready; to be preparedBack to the text

Fumble v. to move the fingers in an attempt to do sthIndifference n. not caring aboutWhatsoever pron. WhateverScriptural a. according to a holy writing, esp. the BibleAdmonition n. an admonishing act

Back to the text

Notes for Text II I heard his words fall heavily on my ears, numbing my soul His words made me aware of the seriousness of my injury, chilling my soul my legs were my prime concern: the injuries of my legs were my first and foremost concern on the go by nature: being active by nature the implications of that were weighing heavily on his little shoulders: what it meant to have a totally handicapped mother worried my son when adversity strikes: when one is suddenly attacked by misfortune or finds himself in a difficult situation And being confined to a wheelchair the rest of my life didnt fit into my plans: I didnt intend to be confined to a wheelchair for the rest of my lifeBack to the text

I wondered if a conspiracy of silence had developed: A conspiracy of silence is a tacit agreement. Here the author means the doctors and nurses seemed to have agreed, tacitly, to keep silent about what she was doingI would maneuver myself from the bed to the floor: I would succeed in moving from my bed to the floor with care and skill dodge ball: a game in which several players form a ring and throw a large inflated ball at one or more players inside the ring who try to catch or dodge the ball.My life has been blessed with many milestones and accomplishments: be blessed with means to be endowed with