This is Johnny. I am 9 1/2 years old, and I have to write this. I am in tears because some kids were teasing me again.
You don't have to like me, but don't hate me. Don't hate me because I am in a wheelchair a lot of the time, and sometimes use crutches to walk. I can't help the way I am. I have a muscle disorder that is causing my muscles to get weaker, and nothing much can be done to stop it or make it better.
You don't have to like me, but don't make fun of the way I walk on my crutches or get around by my electric wheelchair. Don't make fun of the braces I wear on my legs, and don't make fun of my thick glasses or the hearing aids. I wear glasses because I can't see that well, and I wear hearing aids because my hearing isn't the greatest. They help me to hear better. I had meningitis as a baby, and it affected me. It is NOT my fault. Also, don't make fun of me when I have one of my seizures. I also have epilepsy, and I sometimes have seizures when my brain gets too much in the way of electrical activity. This happens sometimes, and I am on medication to control the seizures; but sometimes I can still have them, even with the medication. This doesn't make me bad or stupid; it just sometimes happens is all.
You don't have to like me, but don't ignore me. I am a child just like you are, and I like to do everyday kid things, things like play video games, watch televison, collect cool Poke'man cards, and stuff. Talk to me, and don't be afraid of my wheelchair, leg braces, or my crutches. They aren't going to hurt you.
You don't have to like me, but don't assume that because I am handicapped I don't know a thing. I happen to be very smart. I may have learning problems, but I AM able to learn; it just takes me a bit longer is all.
I may be disabled, but I am a child with feelings, and I am a child who wants to have more in the way of friends. Friends have a way to make you feel wanted, and they make you feel appreciated and important. If you don't have friends, people see you as a loser and a nobody, and I hate that more than anything in the world!!
Just be my friend. You don't have to like me, but I WILL like you, and you will find out that I am a lot like you!!
--WRITTEN BY JOHNATHON SANDUSKY (aged 9 1/2).
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Reviewed by Striving
8/2/2002
I have to say things like this make me very angry. The world is in such a state that we alienate and ridicule anyone different from ourselves. Very touching story, it nearly had me in tears. Thank you for the late night read. I'm glad I stumbled upon your authors den page.
Reviewed by Claywoman
8/1/2002
This made me cry Karen! Your words are strong and the story is wonderful! I hope Johnathon and all the Johnathon's of the world can get the respect they deserve!
