Writings about Ataxia, being DeafBlind, family life. The best life can offer!


Tool man’s son

Hi there! How are you today?

When I was growing up in the 70’s, but mostly the 80’s, I’d often help my dad in his workshop; building things or mostly holding things steady. That is what I remember most. ”Don’t move!” Dad would yell at me while he ran the power saw…

I know he built a lot of things: a buffet, a clock, a old style music stand, a cassette tape holder (its right beside me, waiting to be repurposed). He even built a house, it was very small, had just one entrance, an exit, and smelled like a toilet!

He was very handy, and I try to be handy as well.

I have my tools, and my goals, and most of my free-standing goals do work. I built these two sets of shelves using the same old dresser.

But, somethings I cannot accomplish. That is where CAPOS comes in and screws the project up.

I like working independently, putting shelves on top of a flat surface, I can do easily, putting shelves on the wall, I need help. Here is why:

I think I’m handy, and handsome, but sometimes frustrating mounts. Use two examples bathroom wire shelf and •hooks.

  • I can’t see the Stud Finder window, the red light can mean Stud or space, or start of Stud
  • I can’t see the bubble in the middle of the levelling tool.
  • I can’t hold the drill, screw, shelf and level at the same time (can you?)

So, it is a struggle, I’ve got three projects waiting for some help!

I am a patient man, or I’d like to think I am!

I grew impatient waiting for some help a while ago, asked my youngest son to help put up a shelf. Yet, his friend showed up and off he went, and the bath mat got tripped me up, sent me sprawling, so I closed up shop, after a tiny tantrum. Not the boy’s fault, but the feet!

I guess the point of this particular blog is to demonstrate that I know my limitations, and my patience. So, now, I am going to build a shelf for my hot wheels, wish me luck!

Thank you for reading!

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About the author

Craig MacLean is DeafBlind with ataxia, a rare condition called CAPOS. He & his wife of 22 years have two sons, the oldest of which has CAPOS as well.

Craig uses American Sign Language to communicate. He is an avid writer, friend, Hot Wheel collector and intervenor advocate.

Craig sits on many committees, boards and associations as a DeafBlind rep. He graduated university with a BA in psychology in 2000.