The Invisible Backpack

Posted Mon 30th Sep 2024 at 10:12
by William Hartwick

Award winning inspirational author and motivational speaker William Hartwick, shares his story

Aloha,  my name is William Hartwick and I am a retired 1st grade teacher and elementary/middle school principal from Crescent City, CA.  Currently I live in St Augustine, FL as an award-winning inspirational author and motivational speaker. 

My book The Invisible Backpack: A Life of Courage (Amazon link https://a.co/d/2yBD9g4) is written in complete rhyme, which is how my brain has processed the traumas of my life. Growing up in small-town America where there was very little to no knowledge about our conditions, I suffered greatly as a student. Academics were never my strong point, and I was considered functionally illiterate through my school days. I still have never read a book cover to cover and my English papers were always covered in red ink.

I live with Tourette syndrome and bipolar disorder. I wasn't diagnosed until the age of 35. 

Being an educator, I have a vast knowledge of working with disabled children of all sorts. I am an expert in the special education IEP process as well as 504’s. My career was about children and giving everyone an opportunity to learn and grow and I am still doing it.

Today, I get the opportunity to share my story with the world and each one of you. I offer my support, my heart, my passion and my knowledge of how to turn the stigma of Tourette syndrome upside down. It is not about changing minds; it is about changing mindsets.

 

A mind changed against its will

Is of the same opinion still

 

Little Ole ME

 

Many readers of The Invisible Backpack have asked what it is like living with Tourette’s.

I will share my journey thus far with no cussing or threats.

For starters, it is an internal battle inside my head all day and night.

An external battle for others’ reactions, “His behaviour is not right.”

 

Fixation is an issue; that is why I send texts all the time.

It all seems so logical inside my mind.

I am never fully understood, but really, who might be?

This is the difference between you and me.

 

Being constantly judged is uncomfortable, especially at fifty-four.

Time to teach awareness, no frustration anymore.

There is nothing I can’t accomplish when I focus on my goal.

“Pick your battles and win them, Billy. Let the rest go.”

 

The smallest of mistakes makes my mind race all night.

Living in my head is wrong; my heart is always right.

The ticks are never known and I can never tell if I am or not.

Everyone around me is wondering, “Will he ever stop?”

 

Is your Tourette’s gone? Did you have it in high school?

It is the only neurological condition; some need to learn the Golden Rule.

Recently I have lashed out in anger to no good at all.

The Invisible Backpack has allowed me to stand up tall.

 

Love  is by far my greatest strength Tourette’s has allowed me.

The future now is a life to be free.

No more discrimination whether Tourette’s, gender, or race.

Take off the masks and share your smile on your beautiful face.

 

William L. Hartwick, author

The Invisible Backpack

 

Thank you for taking the time to get to know me.  We are special and have a gift that is incredible.  Be you!!

William “Twitch” Hartwick

theinvisiblebackpack2023@gmail.com

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