Monday, May 14, 2007, 3:11 p.m., D.S.T.~

Dear Diary~

I am new at this; please forgive me.

My name is Lindsie Renee' D'Amico. I am 11  years old. I live in Paris, Tennessee, with my family, which consists of my dad, my mom, and my three little brothers (Jose' Rios--9, Tanner Evan--7, and three-year-old Hunter Bryson). We also have a grouchy white cat named "Hissers" (my brother Jose' named him; it fits his personality. He's mean!!).

I am in the sixth grade at Paris Middle School. I do pretty good, but I hate school because the kids there pick on me. They tease me because I walk with braces on my legs and crutches. I was born with cerebral palsy that affected my legs; this is why I need help with my walking. Sometimes when I am having more trouble with my walking than usual, I use a wheelchair, which is easier.

I am also teased because I am a Christian. I became saved when I was seven. Every Sunday me and my family go to church; church is very important to us. Church is where I feel safe. Church is where nobody teases me. Church is where I have friends; I don't feel so alone when I'm at church.

Today was a rotten day at school. I got teased by Yancy Hambrin, who is probably the biggest creep at school. He teases just about everyone who is different, but particularly those who are disabled (like yours truly). He tried to trip me again when I walked by him. I almost fell, but I didn't. I did hit my head on the wall; ever since then, I have had a headache. I was so mad at him tears popped in my eyes, but I didn't dare cry in front of him; he'd probably do what he always did: call me a baby.

I never was so glad to step into my house as I was today!

When I saw mom in the kitchen, I started crying. I couldn't help it. Mom enveloped me in one of her warm bear hugs; that immediately made me feel better. Mom's chubby, and she gives the best hugs in the world. I just love her! She is the best mom in the world!

Yesterday we took her out to eat. We took her out to Shoney's; she enjoyed it, and I enjoyed it too (until Hunter threw a fit because mom wouldn't let him play with the claw machine at the game area). It was embarrassing. People were looking at us. I wanted to crawl under a table and not get back up. I was mortified.

Leave it to ol' Hunter to try to ruin it for mom like he did. He can be such a little pain in the you-know-where!

Well, I am going to go now; have to do my stupid homework. I will write in here again soon. Take care!

Love, your new friend, Lindsie Renee' D'Amico, aged 11.