My name is Ishmael.  I am eight years old.

I live with my family in Eureka, California.  I am the youngest kid in  my family; I have two sisters and two brothers.  We also have our grandma.

I am in a wheelchair.  I was born with brain damage called cerebral palsy.  It caused me not to be able to walk, move, or talk too good.  It's a pain, but I can still do things, like go to school, feed myself, and play games with my family and friends.

Some of the things I like to do include bowl (I use a special ramp at the bowling alley when we go; I am a very good bowler!), ice skate (someone pushes me in my chair on the ice; there's nothing more fun than feeling the cold air on my face!), swim (again, someone has to be with me; I love being in the water because I can move just like anyone else; I don't have as much trouble), read, write, and watch television (my favorite show is "America's Funniest Home Videos"; that show always makes me laugh!).  I am a very active, happy little boy.

Another thing I love to do is ride my bike.  I have a special bike that I can use; I'm not real good at it yet, but I am learning.  It's fun!

I cannot walk; therefore, I use a wheelchair.  I have a new one; it's green, and it's fast!  I love it!!  People are always saying how cool I look in it; I feel like I'm a sports hero or something, or at least a movie star!  :)

I will never get any better.  That makes me sad to know I won't be able to run or walk like other kids, but hey, I have a good life.  I may have cerebral palsy; however, cerebral palsy doesn't have me!  :)   

I have lots of friends, and a family who loves me for who I am on the inside, not for what I am on the outside.

Still another thing I enjoy is going to church.  I go to Eventide Baptist Chapel; I love learning about God, His Son, Jesus, and all the other Bible heroes.  I would sing in the choir, but I don't sing too good.  LOL

Well, I gotta go.  We're going to Arby's for supper.  I got an A on my spelling test; we're going out to celebrate!  What fun!!  I will write in here again another day; until then, this is Ishmael Jordan Evans saying bye!  God bless!

Love, your new friend in California, Ishmael Jordan, aged eight.  :D