You Only Want Me for My Mind reveals a quirky boy born not only with cerebral palsy but with an uncanny ability to overcome obstacles and mobilise people. In a world reminiscent of My Left Foot and The Diving Bell and the Butterfly, we watch him laugh off the verdicts of the experts as he grows towards a life of his choosing – as an independent artist, writer and mentor for young people.
Despite being completely non-verbal, with only the limited movement of one hand hovering over a communication board, John Rynn is making a statement in writing this book. Composed by writing twenty-nine words a day over a gruelling seven years, this memoir stands as a testament to his creativity and pluck.
This is a story of how to survive and prevail over the impact of life shattering events. Even more, it’s about surpassing the limits dealt to us and thriving with gratitude, humour and vitality.
John Rynn and You Only Want Me For My Mind are commended in the Queensland Parliament by Member for Capalaba, Mr Davies (Read the Hansard transcript here at p 3270).
Syndicated feature article in Quest Courier-Mail newspapers about the book launches: “Man born with non-verbal cerebral palsy spends seven years writing autobiography”
John sparks public debate over the issue of use of disabled toilets in this feature article
Cerebral Palsy League Qld hosted the first Brisbane launch at the 2013 Picnic in the Park in July
IP (Interactive Publications Pty Ltd)
“A Wynnum man unable to walk or talk and with the limited use of just one hand has published an inspirational autobiography.
With help from his carer, John Corrigan, and a communication board, John Rynn composed 29 words a day over seven gruelling years to pen his memoir, You Only Want Me for My Mind, and other bedtime stories.
The book charts Rynn’s life from when he was born with non-verbal cerebral palsy in the small town of Bowen, to his homesickness growing up in a hostel in Brisbane and the extraordinary challenges he faced on his journey to adulthood. Along the way he makes lifelong friends, meets his soulmate, and discovers his passion for art and writing.
There are sad moments, but Rynn’s wicked sense of humour and positivity shines through. He never feels sorry for himself and always believes he can do anything, a conviction reinforced by his loving, supportive parents.
Today, he spends his time travelling within Australia and overseas delivering motivational talks and papers about overcoming and dealing with the effects of disability.
Rynn recently completed his Diploma of Community Services at the North Brisbane Institute of TAFE, adding to a long line of adult education achievements completed precisely because people predicted he couldn’t.
Rynn credits his family for giving him the confidence to achieve his goals. “My parents never said, ‘Oh, that is too hard for John’ or ‘We can’t do that’, they just found a way of doing everything and they always asked, ‘Now, how can this be made enjoyable for John?'”
Rynn said he was a ‘can-do’ kind of guy and he wanted people to feel they could do anything, too. “People should never let themselves be limited by what other people say about them and that they should take special care not to let their own inner critic take over and tell them they cannot do anything,” he said.”
– Angela Ranke, Courier-Mail Quest syndication: Wynnum Herald, South-East Advertiser, Southern Star (Read full feature article here)
IP (Interactive Publications Pty Ltd)
“The hope and vigour for life I experienced at the Cerebral Palsy League, Capalaba is truly something to behold. One such case is John Rynn, a 50-something-year-old gentleman with what can only be described as severe cerebral palsy.
But what John lacks in motor skills he certainly makes up for in intellect and a lust for life. While John finds it difficult to verbally communicate, he finds no such issue in writing.
With support from a friend, John recently released his first book, cheekily titled You Only Want Me for My Mind. It is a humorous and often heartbreaking insight into the life of someone trapped in a disobedient body.
I will close with a poem from John’s book called ‘Mind over Body’ —
My mind is at war with my disabled body.
My mind has an idea.
My body takes a long time to do anything.
Then my mind gets mad with my body.
My mind tries to make my body do things quickly.
My mind should know my body cannot do anything quickly.
This war goes on and on.
It will stop when I die.
I commend the great work of the Cerebral Palsy League and I commend this book, You Only Want Me for My Mind.”
– Mr Davies, MP, Member for Capalaba (LNP), Queensland Parliament
IP (Interactive Publications Pty Ltd)
“John Rynn is a natural born story teller with a ripping good yarn. I enjoyed his writing so much I didn’t want it to end. John is not afraid to talk about emotions, of sadness and loss. Yet You Only Want Me For My Mind is luminous and uplifting because the power of love, humour and belief shine through the darkest moments. This book will touch your heart, warm your soul and remind you that we can all do extraordinary things when we follow our own path.”
– Anna C, reader
IP (Interactive Publications Pty Ltd)
“John reminds us to look into the eyes and souls of all individuals; to respect their uniqueness, honour their goodness, and admire their courage. His story exemplifies how adversities can strengthen one’s spirit, not destroy it.”
– Leonore Rizy MA, Human Development; USA National Board Certification: Exceptional Needs Educator
IP (Interactive Publications Pty Ltd)
“John relates his personal memories of the challenges and highlights of his life with humour, courage and insight. Joys, sadness, achievement and a sustaining positive attitude to life despite many setbacks ring through John’s story.”
– Dr Yvonne Burns AO