My name is Darlene and I am nearly sixteen, kind of small for my age, but that’s okay. I also happen to be in a wheelchair, but don’t think that slows me down for a minute. I live my life to the fullest and that’s the way I like it.

What good would sitting around feeling sorry for myself because I can not walk do? Besides I can do most anything everyone else does, just differently, the only thing I can’t do is walk, and I am not going to cry over that. I cried enough tears a few years ago when it first happened, then I snapped out of it and realized it was time to get on with living.

I am not one to let things drag me down for to long, Mom said I was born with my Grandmothers spirit of determination. I believe that, knowing all my Grandmother endured, but I also know its God’s Grace. I know that I can do anything the good Lord wants me to do.

As I am sure you guessed I am a Christian and so glad to be one! I know that I would not be where I am if it were not for the Lord. I’d probably be throwing myself the world’s biggest pity party, instead of shooting hoops and hanging out with my friends. Determined to show the world that just because I am a girl, a girl in a wheelchair that does not mean I am going to let it stop me.

I know that I am going to do whatever the Lord wants me to do, and that I am going to enjoy life.

I have dreams of one day being a counselor for children with disabilities, so I can help them through their difficulties and show that a wheelchair or crutches, braces, hearing aids, or a white cane does not have to define you. God has a great plan for us, whether we are disabled or not, and the truth is I think in some ways we are all disabled.

Well I am afraid I am going to have to cut this short, my best friends on her way over, she’s staying over so we can go to church together in the morning,

Until next time this is Darlene!!!