Johnny is a living Miracle Child, and he shares with us the reasons why he is exactly that.
For a kid not expected to live beyond the age of five years, I think I have done pretty good for myself (all things considering). I say this because I will soon be 13 years old...and I am still plugging away!
My name is Johnathon (Johnny) Sandusky, and I have Duchenee's muscular dystrophy. My muscles are weak, and I am in a wheelchair 98% of the time (the other 2% I am on crutches--and then it is only for short distances). I have had this problem ever since I can remember, and it has been nothing but a big hassle, but I still am grateful that I am still at least ALIVE. Now, my future is still uncertain, but I am determined to make the very best out of the time that I still have of my life.
Sure, I don't like the thought of having a serious disease that could very well end up killing me, but while I am still alive, I figure I'd best live out my life as though tomorrow were my last day on Earth. This is why I have been able to see places and do things that most kids my age wouldn't ordinarily get to do. I don't mean to make it sound like I am bragging (and if I am, please do forgive me!), but I have met many famous celebrities (Garth Brooks, Jerry Lewis, Ed McMahon, Loretta Lynn, Dolly Parton, and my favorities Reba McEntire and Ronnie Milsap, among others), I have gone backstage at the Grand Ole Opry and onto different singers' buses, and I have seen many exciting places (and have even gone on a CRUISE!), including Alaska (TWICE!! I'd love to go back there again!! :) ). I have gone to the CMA Music Festival (formerly called Fan Fair) many times, and I have been on tv several times, too.
Yet despite all that I have seen or done, I still see myself as a normal, everyday kid who enjoys life and all that it has to offer, and I refuse to think of my problems (although at times that is impossible to do, especially if I am weaker than normal or need help with my getting dressed or with eating or getting around, or if I am having problems with my breathing again). I try to look at all the good things, and I also think of the many blessings that God hs given to me.
Oh, sure, I could very easily feel sorry for myself, but what would that accomplish except only to make me miserable or depressed? I see no point in doing this because I usually am not a sad person. I am a kid who loves to be happy, and I would much rather be happy than to be sad!
I also am happy because I have God in my life. When I was seven, I'd gone to my daddy's church (at that time, mama and us kids went to her church while daddy went to another church), and we'd gone to this play about the Day of Judgement, as based in the Book of Revelations in the Bible, and it really made a big impression on me. I accepted Christ into my heart right then and there, and now I am going to go to Heaven when I die because of my becoming a Christian. I won't have to worry about "things" now because I know that God is in control and that He is going to take care of me (and my family).
So the next time you see me in my wheelchair or walking on my crutches, don't be sad for me. Instead, be happy. Just come up to me and say hello. I won't bite, and I won't run over your toes with my wheelchair or stomp on your feet with my crutches! Besides, I always enjoy meeting new people (and making new friends)! I may not have much time left on this Earth, but I am still a kid who only wants to be loved and accepted, and besides, I just may end up becoming your very best friend for life! I just may surprise you!! :)
Johnny you are a wonderful young man, you often remind my of another young man about your age that wrote beautiful poetry, I have all of his books, Mattie J.T. Stepanek. Excellent Karen!
For a kid not expected to live beyond the age of five years, I think I have done pretty good for myself (all things considering). I say this because I will soon be 13 years old...and I am still plugging away!
