As humans, we are all different and most of us make mistakes. I want to apologize for a mistake in my last column. I mistakenly called the Greensburg Working Women, the Business Professional Women of Greensburg. I’m sorry.

I’ve admitted my mistake. Now onto my most visible difference, my hair is red. Growing up, I thought being a red-head was the biggest curse ever. I hated being called carrot-top and all the other names. I dealt with it like a typical girl. I cried. I would have given anything to have a "normal" hair color. Eventually, I learned to like my red-hair and now it is fun to have something that stands out a bit. Now, crying was not the best way to handle the situation, so I thought I would give you a good example of handling differences.

A couple of Sundays ago, Adam and I went to see a production sponsored by the Arts and Cultural Council of Decatur County. Before I go any further, I want to compliment the Arts Council for continually striving to bring different types of performances. That variety is one of the reasons the Decatur County Community Foundation supports their efforts. The performers were from a troupe called Dream Makers. They are from Hancock County and presented an updated performance of "It’s Time to Pay the Piper." A troupe from a couple of counties away may not sound like the most impressive thing ever, but the group becomes quite impressive when I tell you that this cast is one of varying mental and physical capabilities. Their performance is a great example of dealing with differences.

Some of the actors were legally blind. Some of the actors used walkers. Some of the actors used wheelchairs. Some of the actors had other disabilities. But, they were all on the stage doing something that many of us would never have the courage or ability to do…perform. The group did a full length production. Each actor had lines to memorize and stage placements to know.

They did a wonderful job. Now, I must admit I might be a little prejudiced, because I have worked with many of the performers and I count them as friends. It also gives me the perspective of telling you just how they deal with their differences. These adults are just like you and I. They get up every day and go to work and do their best. They have good days and bad days. They like to spend time with friends and family and they like to have a good time. I know that some of them have issues that are difficult to deal with, but they do a wonderful job and performing is a great step for many of them.

Let me tell you a little about the cast. Yes, some of the performers are the clowns. You know the person who always will be the center of attention and I am guessing that the performances come like second nature for them. They are the born performers. For others, they are taking a step out of their comfort zone. No matter which category the performer is in, I can tell you that I can saw their confidence in themselves and their performance, which is something that a lot of times even the born performer doesn’t have

Being different is just part of life, what we make of the difference is what separates us. This troupe of performers have made their differences work for them and because of that we have all benefited.