Ten Things I Learned from Bill Porter

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Summary: A Few Things I Learned from Bill Porter Too...
Review: A few things I learned from Bill Porter are the power of persistence and that there really are no obstacles. Actually, Porter seems to take persistence to the extreme, and as for obstacles, it is not that they do not exist, but that for Porter, they have never been allowed to become the reasons for his failure. In fact, he refuses to let his cerebral palsy define who he is. Rather he insists on being defined for what he has contributed - the service he has given to others through his career as a salesman.

I had to reconsider that too. What is a salesman? A bothersome person who is intruding on your personal space to convince you to buy something that you didn't really want? Or can a salesman be a person who really does add value to your life by looking after your interests as a consumer and making sure you get the best deal. Well, I think everyone knows both kinds. And because of the former, most people have made the latter's ability to penetrate our defenses all the more challenging.

The last thing I ever wanted to be was a salesperson. But I am learning now how much this attitude has crippled me in my own profession, which happens to be education. The fact is that the ability to approach others and expand your personal network of friends and associates is critical to bringing your unique contributions to others, and even more importantly, partnering with others so that they may offer their contributions in return. When you consider it on a grander scale, where would the world be without those luminaries in history who had to intrude upon the mental space of others and sell revolutionary ideas to the people, especially when they did not want to hear? From God's Prophets to sages and scientists, it always took courage and persistence to come out of one's own secure personal space and carry a message to people who are usually not open at first to receiving it. I do not mean to stretch the purpose of the book too far, but this is what it meant to me, as an educator seeking to improve myself in the realm of networking so that I can bring my services to more people.

Shelly Brady taught me something too: the importance of friendship. While a cynical voice did nag me from time to time while reading this book, I reflected on how people with different strengths can form partnerships that allow both to go much farther than they ever could have gone alone. Without Brady, Porter would be no less courageous and inspiring, but he certainly did not have the vision Brady had to bring his story to so many other people through public speaking, books, and film. And what I think really comes through more so than any notion of self-interest is Brady's true love and concern for Porter, and her desire to share his profound impact on her life with others. Perhaps most importantly, her attitude toward Porter is characterized by awe rather than pity. Contrast that with how most of us would meet a Bill Porter and automatically assume our advantages while secretly allowing some fear or challenging circumstance to hold us back. Brady demonstrates here, that she admires Porter for never feeding his excuses for failure, and that she has drawn on his inspiration to overcome her own.

A telling example is how she contrasts her memories of childhood with his. His memories were not of growing up with cerebral palsy, but rather of sunbaths, his loving mother, and other simple joys. Too many of us have buried our memories of childhood joys under Freudian self-analytical blame of our parents or other happenstance. What we learn from Bill Porter is that it matters far less why these obstacles are there than how they can be surmounted.

I did not read this book in a single afternoon, although it certainly could be read that way. I took in its inspirational lessons in short spurts and experienced a small portion at a time. It is light reading, but worth the investment of enough time to allow "Ten Things I Learned from Bill Porter" to sink in.

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Summary: inspirational without being preachy
Review: A great glimps into the attitude that made Bill Porter such a success. Doesn't tell you that you have to be like him but shows what an unstoppable attitude can accomplish and how it can affect the people around you.

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Summary: I'd Read It Again!
Review: A very moving and motivating story. I litteraly cried each time
I read chapter six (I read the book 3 times). I appreciate knowing there are others with tests and trials in their lives and Bill's courage and belief in himself motivates me to try harder. I have to smile when I read a couple of the reviews critizing this book. Perhaps Shelly isn't a professional novelist, newspaper journalist, or magazine writer - perhaps the pictures in the book are not "professional" - but, this book is 'for real'. I love it as does everyone I've loaned it to...after which they went out and bought their own copies. Thank-you Bill for letting Shelly into your life and thank-you Shelly for taking the time to share your knowledge, experience, and heart felt inspirational thoughts of Bill Porter's life and the influence it is on you and can be on the rest of us!

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Summary: Where is Bill???
Review: After reading this book I felt I really did not know Bill Porter. I got to know the author pretty well, but Bill remained a mystery to me. Not sure if I got my money's worth, but there were some parts that were okay.

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Summary: For anyone who has a heart -- or needs one
Review: At a time when we need heroes, Bill Porter is an unlikely candidate, but shines as a star among stars. Other reviews discuss the profound influence Bill's story has on people who learn about it. Their own lives are quickly put in persepective. Bill's story is also an invitation to understand why the public schools are trying so desperately to include handicapped children with non-handicapped children, utilizing adaptive equipment which allows full inclusion. While the educational process is rendered more expensive short term, there is an adult life to be lived which will last much longer. Many handicapped children can learn to lead independent lives, in spite of others' projections to the contrary, and contribute to the benefit of all.
One reviewer's feeling that Shelly Brady seemed to be trying to take the story as her personal achievement is understandable, but not really valid. I began to have a similar reaction, but quickly realized that Bill himself could not have written the story because he is apparently blind to his own obstacles. Shelly is in a position to add a depth of understanding as few other people could. Those who think Shelly has personal motives in writing the book are confused by her deeply sincere desire to share the best of values she has adopted from Bill with others who will benefit from them. And certainly, in a sense, it is also her story. Once we learn about it, it becomes our story too.
I cried at the movie (Door to Door) and I cried at the book, not with sadness, but at nobility. William H. Macy deserves the highest cudos for making the movie and his amazing acting. That was one of the most incredible performances I've ever seen.
Thank you Bill, for allowing your story to be shared (I'm one of your customers now) and Shelly for helping to define the best of human character.

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Summary: Shelly, get off the stage...
Review: Bill Porter's story was inspirational enough for me to visit his web site and buy from him. His life merits recognition, not just because he overcame the obstacles of his disability, but even more for his humble view of his own remarkable achievements. Bill's story is even more compelling when compared to the author's life history. The book suggests author Shelly Brady is looking for money and fame in the name of a truly great individual. She even includes letters sent to Bill from people who have seen the 20/20 segment featuring Bill which refer to Shelly as an "angel." ... All I wanted from the book was inspiration from Bill. ... The two great things I got from the book were Bill's web site address ... and a glimps of this great man.

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Summary: An inspirational story of a remarkable human being
Review: Ever since I saw the story of Bill Porter was aired on 20/20 for the first time, I have been unable to forget about Mr. Porter. I went so far as to purchase the story directly from ABC so that I could view it over and over. Days when I thought I had too many problems, or if I was just having a bad day compelled me to watch this story again. Watching this inspirational man made me realize how easy I truly had things. I've learned not to complain about the small things and to appreciate what I have. This is quite simply the loveliest person that I've encountered through television. I was thrilled to learn that a book about Mr.Porter was available, and I was happy to catch up with him and learn more. This book filled in the gaps that were not covered by the 20/20 piece. The friendship between Mr.Porter and Shelly is a very special and rare thing, and should be celebrated. I'm so happy to have found someone like Mr.Porter to inspire me when I need it. This is a great book, and be sure to catch the TV movie as well.

Rating:
Summary: Well worth an afternoon.
Review: Forget all the mean-spirited reviews from people who totally missed the reason for the book. It was NEVER touted as a biography of Bill. (Would you petty naysayers please read the title of the book again!) It was about the profound effect Bill's life had on Shelly Brady. As one astute reviewer noted, the word "I" is in the title. Read the book, take its' many uplifting messages to heart and enjoy the journey of a true American hero and know that anything is possible with enough belief. Both Bill and Shelly have enjoyed a friendship without any barriers that we all wish we had. A remarkable book.

Rating:
Summary: Well worth an afternoon.
Review: Forget all the mean-spirited reviews from people who totally missed the reason for the book. It was NEVER touted as a biography of Bill. (Would you petty naysayers please read the title of the book again!) It was about the profound effect Bill's life had on Shelly Brady. As one astute reviewer noted, the word "I" is in the title. Read the book, take its' many uplifting messages to heart and enjoy the journey of a true American hero and know that anything is possible with enough belief. Both Bill and Shelly have enjoyed a friendship without any barriers that we all wish we had. A remarkable book.

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Summary: Inspirational
Review: I am amazed not only by the incredible journey that Bill Porter has embarked upon throughout this life, but also the amazing journey that his mother and father anxiously and fearlessly chose to take. In a day and age that would have preferred and accepted a much easier way out than to confront Bill's disability, his parents were determined for Bill to see that his greatest obstacle could become his greatest strength. It is evident in the life of the author Shelly Brady that Bill Porter's story has impacted the lives of many, and it is certain that his example will continue to have a great influence on generations yet to come. This story truly exemplifies the phrase "Each life that touches ours for good, reflects thine own great mercy Lord." Some people come into our lives and go as quickly as they came, others leave footprints, and we are never the same. Bill is one of those people!!!! Shelly Brady--You are Bills angel here upon this earth!!!