Hey! Remember me? If not, let me clue you in so you can see who I am.
My name is Briana Rae Thibodeaux. I am 12 1/2 years old, and I am like any other normal twelve-year-old: that is, I love the Jonas Brothers and Miley Cyrus, gabbing on the phone with my friends, playing on the computer, and reading. (I'm a regular bookworm! LOL)
I also have osteogenesis imperfecta, or brittle bone disease.
At twelve, I look more like three or four, in relation to size. I'm really tiny.
When people first see me in my wheelchair (my main mode of transportation), they stare or point. It makes me comfortable; I wish they'd get to know the real me, see that I'm just like them in more ways than they realize!
Sometimes they say really nasty things that hurt my feelings. I don't know why more people aren't educated about my condition; it would make life a whole lot easier for me and others who go through the same things as I do!
The worst thing is when they say that I've been abused. I have NOT been abused in ANY way; it's just that my bones are so brittle. Even a simple smack on the wall or a friendly punch on the shoulder can warrent a broken bone, another trip to the ER, another experience with pain that I certainly don't need or want!!
I break a bone at least every other week. It seems that I'm always going to the ER for yet another x-ray, another casting! It's getting past annoying! I can think of plenty of better ways to spend my time than having to spend it at the ER!!
I've been in and out of the hospital more than you can count on all ten fingers (or toes). I can't remember what it is like not being in the hospital!
The good thing is when I AM in the hospital, my family can spend time with me, and so can my friends. I live for these times; it takes away some of the sting away, and I feel more like a normal kid, even when sick or hurting!
Tonight I was watching "Extreme Home Makeover"; they had a family with a kid with OI, a little eight year old boy with more spunk and personality in his little body than most people have in their lifetime! The team renovated their home so that the little guy could get around easier and not worry so much about falling, ending up with another broken bone.
It was incredibly moving, and I've fallen in love with this little guy! He didn't let anything slow him down, and I guess I shouldn't either! If he can do it, then by God, so can I!
I wonder if I could write to this family, in particularly Jake. I want to tell him how much he's inspired me. I want to tell the little boy's family how much they've moved me.
Well, I have a little brother now: a little two-year-old from Africa that our family's adopted. He was adopted a year ago, and he's brought so much joy in our lives! My little brother, who is originally from Rwanda, is now named Tavious Richard, and he's a little pistol; I just love the little guy to death!
Maman and daddy are working. They have to in order to provide for us kids, and to pay for my medical care. Sometimes I feel guilty because I'm the cause of many tears, discussions, but maman tells me not to worry, because they love me so much.
That's all in good, but I wish I could make a little extra money, so I can help them out at least a little!
Well, I am going to go; I have school tomorrow. I will write in here again soon; until then, this is Brianna Rae Thibodeaux signing off! God bless and thanks for reading my journal!
~Love, your friend, Bri. :D
