My name is Sally Nicholas; I live in Reading, Pennsylvania, with my husband, Sam, and our five children:  Michayla Elaine (14), Tanner Reed (12), Ryson Eric (11), Ella Grace (6), and Trinity Michelle (3).

I am a homemaker (a "domestic engineer" if you will; it sounds nicer); my husband, meanwhile, works as a billing clerk at a doctor's office.  I was working until two  years ago:  I injured my back; I now get disability every month.  Just got my first check.

It isn't much, but it will help out with any bills that may crop up.

My children are all wonderful; however, I am going to write about Ella, our second youngest child.  She's been through so much in six short years; she's the reason why we have had so many bills.  I know it's not her fault, but I still feel guilty that she has to endure so much in the way of pain or suffering.

Ella was born with spina bifida, or a divided spine.  For some reason, while in the womb, her spinal cord didn't form right; it left a gap.  She was born with a giant saclike growth on the base of her lower spine; this, in kind, left her lower limbs paralyzed and functionally useless.  She does have feeling (though not much), but not much else.  She cannot walk:  if she does, she uses two forearm crutches and wears braces on both legs.

If she has to go for longer distances (like when at the store or at school, or at the amusement park, for example), she uses her wheelchair.  She has no problems getting around, be it by her wheelchair or by her crutches or leg braces:  she is a very determined child; always has been.

Because of her disability, Ella has had to endure many surgeries or hospital stays:  she is as familiar with them as the back of her hand; yet she handles it all like a trooper.  She doesn't really like having to have surgeries, but once they're overwith and she's feeling better, we always give her ice cream, and that makes her feel special.

We try not to focus so much on what she cannot do, but on what she can.  Ella loves to ride her bike (she has a bike with handles that she can turn with her hands; they perform the task that her paralyzed legs cannot do), go on walks (or rolls, if in her wheelchair), play with her brothers and sisters, play with our animals (we have four cats and two dogs), sing, read, draw, and write.  She also loves to go to church every Sunday; she sings in the children's choir, and she does a very good job.  We are so proud at all that she's been able to accomplish.

When she grows up, Ella wants to be a nurse or a mommy, perhaps both.  I think she would be good at either career.  She has empathy for people, and she loves children, especially babies or toddlers. 

She'd also like to be a singer, like her favorite, Kelly Clarkson.  (She got to meet Kelly Clarkson last year when she came to Reading for a concert; she was so excited!!)

We don't know what the future holds for Ella; the sky's the limit, as far as she's concerned. 

I hope you enjoyed getting to know Ella.  We think she's pretty special; we consider her a blessing from God.

May God bless you always!  I will write in here again soon; somehow I feel Ella's story isn't over yet, not by a longshot!

~Sincerely, Sally Nicholas, Ella's mom.  :)