Short Story

Now, more than two decades later, the woman’s rude awakening has become the title of Robinson’s book about his life and experiences, Get Off Your Knees. (Syracuse University Press; 128 pages; $24.95/hardcover). But before the phrase inspired the book title, it prompted something more significant in Robinson.

“It means stand up to everyday life problems and responsibilities. You can’t knee through these issues,” said Robinson, 40, who recalls the woman’s outburst as a “trigger point” in his life. “It was, hey, people see me a certain way, and I need to be responsible for myself.” 

Responsibility is one of the major themes throughout Robinson’s book. Although his arms end at his elbows, he is without knees and he has only two toes on each foot, Robinson has worked in sales for more than 20 years—he is the director of corporate support for the public television and radio stations in the Albany area—is married with three children and plays golf regularly with his friends. He accomplished such feats without the use of prosthetics and with an attitude that life’s obstacles present opportunities.

“We all have differences. We all have problems. We all have successes,” said the Binghamton native. “You see it as an obstacle for me to get into the chair at my desk, I see it as an opportunity to get here and work hard.”

Because of Robinson’s determination, positive attitude and work ethic, he inspires others effortlessly. One person Robinson dazzled immediately was Alice Randel Pfeiffer, director of Syracuse University Press, which published Robinson’s book. “He impressed me so much just from our first conversation. I liked him from the start,” said Pfeiffer. “I wanted to do something just because of him. Personally, I felt connected.”

Because SU Press had just launched a “Critical Perspectives on Disability” book series, Robinson’s phone call reached Pfeiffer at an ideal time. Although Robinson’s book could not be a part of the academic series, Pfeiffer thought the content meshed well with the same audience.

“I thought the story was compelling. The determination, the positive spirit of this man. The story needed to be told,” noted Pfeiffer. “I really hope his story will help others.”

Robinson, however, hopes inspiration is a secondary aspect of his book. “I don’t like hearing that I am an inspiration. I don’t just want to be that,” declared Robinson. “I want people to take away that this is a collection of stories that can happen to anyone. Once you take away the shell, we are all the same.”

And from his parents’ initial reactions to their baby’s disability to his refusal to use prosthetics, Robinson has an extensive collection of stories to share. In addition to publishing the tome, SU Press also scheduled a book talk during the upcoming Parents’ Weekend for Robinson to chat about his life, his book and the personal anecdotes that influenced both.

For Robinson, speaking at SU means thanking his alma mater for helping him develop the “best friendships of {his} life,” receive a wonderful scholastic education, and learn that if he can walk up and down the hilly campus in three feet of snow, he can accomplish just about anything. “The best part about my work with SU is that I get to repay them a bit for what they gave me. I have received fantastic support from the university,” said Robinson, who is proud of the collaboration.

Despite his excitement about his talk, Robinson lacks any expectations. Instead, he wishes people take away some sort of message in his story. “People who come to the lecture are seeking something,” he said. “I hope to make a connection with them.”

Anyone interested in listening to Robinson’s stories, message and book should attend his free talk at SU on Friday, Oct. 23. The event begins at 4 p.m. in Room 434 on the fourth floor of Newhouse 3, Waverly Avenue. Robinson will be discussing his experiences as well as the themes of the book, which will be available for purchase at the lecture. For more information, call 443-5534. In addition, Robinson appears at Barnes & Noble, 3454 Erie Blvd. E., DeWitt, on Friday, Oct. 30, at 7 p.m. For more information, call 449-2947.