A WOMAN with dwarfism says strangers are shocked when they discover that’s she’s related to her average height son.
Angela Singletary, 39, has a common form of dwarfism known as achondroplasia – meaning her bones do not grow as much as usual.
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The condition runs through her family and has been passed on to her daughter Aidan, 12, and Angela, seven.
Her son DL (10 years old) was not born with the condition. This often confuses people as he towers over his Mississippi mom, who is 4 feet tall.
Angela, a life and wellbeing coach, believes her son might follow in the footsteps of her ex-husband, who stands 6ft 6inches.
She stated that “Strangers often wonder if they are all yours.” DL is a foot, and a half taller that me.
“People assumed the girls were identical twins, as they were at one time the same height.
I often wonder if DL feels like a burden or left out, as we get a lot attention when we’re out.
“He claims he doesn’t mind, but I’m not sure.
It can be irritating when people stare, point, and snigger at you.
“He is very protective of his sisters.”
Everyone in the Singleton household has chores – DL’s task is to do the washing as it is too high for Angela to reach.
Because Angela and Aidan will need to adapt, her home is not modified.
They are used to stools and seldom ask DL for assistance unless it is on the top shelf.
She also said that DL is taller then the average 10-year old. He follows my ex-husband, who is 6ft 6inches.
His height makes him a handy helper around the house, as he can reach high places and change lightbulbs.
“He does the washing, so I don’t have to climb up the washing machine.
“I am however able to use the stool for most of my time.
“I haven’t modified the house because I want the girls to know how to navigate accordingly as the world isn’t modified for little people.”
Angela recalled growing up being subject to negative criticism about her height.
She is now comfortable in her skin and helps others feel the same way.
She says, “Being little can be difficult. Our society automatically assumes we are not able to work, drive, or live a normal life.
We can do all those things, and I also date men of average height.
“I have taught my daughters to be independent.
“My heart breaks for my girls when they go out and people ask for photos. But the answer is no.
“But I do think society is becoming more accepting of little people.”
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