I am ten years old. I live with my family in Ottumwa, Iowa.  We live on a farm: my parents are farmers.  Well, Daddy is; as for Ma, she is a housewife.  She stays home and takes care of things here at home while Daddy runs the farm.  My two older brothers Chip (Christopher) and Matt help him; they're old enough to.  In addition to them, I have a younger brother (Zekiah) and two younger sisters (Whitni and Yvonne).  I'm stuck right in the middle.

I just started fourth grade a few days ago.  Not so sure if I like it yet; after all, this is gonna be my last year in elementary school.  Next year I will start middle school; kids from grades 5-8 will be at the middle school, but I'm not there quite yet.  I liked elementary school; gonna be hard going to a new school with kids I don't even know.  I just hope there are some kids I know when I DO go to middle school!

My younger brother Zekiah is in a wheelchair.  He has something called cerebral palsy.  His brain got injured somehow while he was being born and now he cannot walk.  He can talk some, just not that much.  Ma and my oldest younger sister (does that make sense?) take care of him and take care of the rest of us too, in addition to the house.  She is a very busy woman; I don't know how she does it!

When I am not at school or at home doing homework, I like to play on the computer, read, draw, play video games, play with my sisters and brothers, rollerblade, skateboard, play ball games, swim, go to the fair or to concerts (I like Kiss the best; they're legend when it comes to rock music; seeing them in person was a huge deal for me!), and help Ma take care of Zekiah.

I think having a little brother who's disabled has given me an edge.  People say I am compassionate, caring, and considerate.  I think that is good; I don't want to be a monster or a meanie!  I just don't understand why some people (like my two older brothers, as an example) call me "Atrocious"!  That is NOT nice AT all!!

Well, I have to help Ma feed Zekiah (he eats by a tube in his belly; he can't chew or swallow food like you or I can), so I will go.  We will then eat supper and then Matt and Chip have to go out to the barn with Daddy and take care of the animals and feed them and then get them ready for the night.  I hope you enjoyed reading about me!  Take care and God bless!

~Aldean Pepperday, age 10.