By Rocky Wilson

It seems everyone has weaknesses. Some are more apparent than others, especially when theyre of a physical nature, but Id guess in this vein were all in the same boat.

Yet many weaknesses are not quickly identifiable.

One example of the latter would be a true story told me recently by a loving grandmother about her 8-year-old granddaughter. The young lady, Im told, was pretty, sociable, and extremely intelligent.

And it was not until after her eighth birthday that it was learned, to the horror of parents and family, that the girls vision not only was less than 20-20, but tested at 20-800, well beyond the parameters of being legally blind.

The gal studied at close range, ran at full speed, and, in the eyes of family and peers, lived a normal life. One subsequent perception was that the girl had learned to become a good faker. And yet another grandparent suggested the possibility that the child simply was living life with tools provided to her, that she had no concept that her personal world differed from the norm.

Thank God for modern medicine and laser surgery that, when she becomes older, will allow her to see things shes never seen.

And yet there are the more obvious weaknesses that can bring out the ugly in others.

Obesity not only is commonplace in our society, but often starts at an early age when many overweight children are forced to try and ignore hurtful comments made by peers. The same is true for teenagers beset by complexion problems.

Personally, my weaknesses are many. As life continues, I better learn how to live with my weaknesses and try to learn whats to be gained both from having them and how, whenever possible, to minimize negative consequences they might have on my personal quest to learn and act upon my intended purpose on planet earth.

But still, some of my weaknesses are of a physical nature and likely will not go away.

For instance, theres my posterior.

Through the years Ive had a modicum of success as an athlete at various levels, but never has that altered the fact that my backside is flat.

And Im ashamed to admit that on one occasion or another during the course of my life, tumbling from my lips has been audible praise expressed to another male because they had the ability to hold their pants up without use of a belt.

Not so much a problem for modern-day basketball players because baggy is the norm, but for old-timers with undeveloped behinds its never a source of pleasure.

When playing a sport I never worried about what was behind me, but any photographs taken from the backside, in my eyes, highlighted that weakness.

For years, my remedy was to cinch leather belts incredibly tight to hold my pants in place. During that time, it wasnt uncommon for me to crank belts so tight that bruises would surface. What organs I then was damaging along my waistline was something I never chose to learn.

Then I graduated to suspenders. They eliminated the bruising problem, but presented a dilemma about which suspenders best met my purposes. Maybe I learned more about myself, especially the vanity thing, because available options included vital decisions such as whether to show or hide your suspenders.

How can you not tuck in a shirt if you are wearing suspenders?

Then came the ultimate cure. Stretch belts. Theyre comfortable, keep my trousers aloft, and easily can be adjusted.

Thank God for small favors.

Jabberwock II columnist Rocky Wilson is a reporter for the Wallowa County Chieftain.