Short Stories by O'Dear

About the Author

I was born into a family of dancers, musicians, and movie producers. Momma always said, "The world is our stage. No matter how difficult a situation may be, the show goes on, so suck it up buttercup, make the best of it." Show-biz people learn to solve problems with laughter.

In 1950, at age 7, when the psychiatry department of Tulane University needed a child actor for a human behavior documentary, I got the job. What I witnessed working with doctors impressed me greatly. After graduating from the Hoffman Institute, I was licensed to work in the Medical Arts Centre on 57th Street in New York City. This 18-story building included a small hospital for mentally disturbed. The top two floors were privately owned apartments reserved for performing artists.

On the lower floor where I worked people of every age, race and religion came to us seeking relief from mental and physical oddities deemed incurable by other doctors. Much to my delight I learned the disability paradox. People suffering permanent disability can achieve excellent, productive lives; often they become the happiest people on the planet.

Thank you for reading my book. I love you.

Your friend, O'Dear