Sunday, May 4, 2008, 8 A.M., Nashville, TN~

Dear Journal~

Hi!  My name's Enriquesa Maria Elena Sandusky.  I'm nine years old, and I live in Nashville, Tennessee, with my parents and all my brothers and sisters.

We must have the biggest family in the world.  I don't know of any families who have as many kids as we do (some come close, though! LOL).  I love my family very, very much.

They're the only family I've ever known.  I was adopted when I was a baby.  I came to my family from Guatemala.  Maybe one day I'll visit the country where I was born; that would be neat!!

I am handicapped.  Was born this way, but have no problems with it.  It just takes me a little longer to do things, and I do things differently than most people.  I was born without legs, and without arms/hands, but have found ways to get around, do things. 

I wear artificial "hooks", which serve as my hands.  With these hooks, I can button my clothes, dress myself, feed myself, brush my hair/teeth, knit, crochet, work on my scrapbook, write or play on the computer, and so much more.  I can walk with help:  I use a wheeled walker; it's purple, and I call it the "Purple Flash" 'coz it gets me everywhere I need to go.

Without my legs, I'm only as big as a baby, but with them on, I look about normal.  I am short though; that's another thing.  I'm a little person, sometimes called a dwarf.  I'll never be big, even when I get to be an adult.

People may think that makes me sad.  Maybe it does, but I don't let it bother me any.  I love my life, and I love doing the things my friends, my sisters and brothers do!  My disabilities have never stopped me, nor will they ever.

I am very determined! :)

When I get big, I want to be a singer, a veterinarian, a doctor (or a nurse), a teacher, or a writer.  Maybe I can do all these things! :P  Don't let people tell me I can't do anything because I'll prove them wrong, each and every time! :)

Well, we're getting ready to go to breakfast, then church, so I'll go now.  Maybe I'll write in here again.  Yeah, I think I will.  Take care, and may God bless you real good!

~Love, your friend, Enriquesa Maria Elena, aged nine. 

P.S.:  We're going to a huge crawfish festival this weekend.  That's in Louisiana.  I cannot wait; this is going to be sooo fun!!!  I love going to the crawfish festival!!  All that muy delicioso Cajun food!! YUMM!!!

~E.