My daughter, Star Noelle, is the joy of my life, and in the lives of our family.  We can't imagine our family without her.

Star was born nine years ago; she had a very rough start in life.  Born four months premature, she wasn't expected to survive:  she weighed less than a can of Coke.  She weighed only 10 ounces at birth and was only 10" long, less than the length of a yardstick.  She was unbelievably tiny.

Surprisingly, she survived; however, her premature arrival left its mark.  She has cerebral palsy:  she cannot walk or talk; she must use a wheelchair.  She cannot feed herself; others have to feed her instead.  Star attends fourth grade at a normal elementary school, where she is mainstreamed with the "normal" students.

Star is a lot smarter than what people think.  She can "communicate" via computer and a pointer she wears on her head; she "points" to the words on her wordboard; this is how she talks to you.  She is very expressive; she is quick to laugh or cry; people know how she is feeling by her expressions.

It isn't easy parenting a child with such severe physical disabilities, but on the other hand, maybe it's a good thing Star is the way she is:  she doesn't worry about the world's problems; all she cares about is that she's fed, dressed in clean clothes, warm, loved, or accepted by others.

Right now she's also excited about Christmas.  Christmas Day is the day she was born; she will be ten next week.  This is why she  has such a holiday-sounding name.  (She was due to arrive in April; Star had other plans.  She was in a big hurry to get out into the world.)

Star knows exactly what she wants for Christmas:  the newest Hannah Montana CD and DVD.  (She's crazy about her!)  Books.  Word games.  Games for her computer system.  New clothes (preferably pants or sweaters).  Money (what kid doesn't want that??).  A kitty.  Nothing major, just normal things any child would enjoy.

She's already visited Santa Claus at the mall; they bonded instantly. 

Star has two older sisters:  Jeremie Michaela (13) and Taylor (Tay-Tay) Roanna (16).  She also has two younger brothers:  Peak Allen (7) and Xavier Kent (3).  There are five kids in our family; Star is the only one who was born disabled; yet we all love her unconditionally; we don't care how she is.  To us she is our daughter first; her disabilities, even though they are very noticeable, shouldn't matter!  She is an important part of our family, and we want people to overlook her problems and see her as we do.

I will write more, but right now Xavier is calling me; he has just awakened from his nap.  I will write again soon; until later, this is Jackie Nason signing off!  Take care and God bless!  And above all, Merry Christmas!

~Jackie.  :)