My name is Soren Danielle Parkington. I am nine and a half; I will be ten in July, on July 4. I live in Bakersfield, California, with my mom and dad (they're both doctors), my two little brothers Seymour and Stephen (they're eight and five), and my baby sister Sawyer (she's four). I am in the second grade at Harding Elementary School.
I have long blonde hair and blue eyes. I want to be either a singer when I grow up, or, if that doesn't work out, a writer of children's books. I believe I can do both. :)
I am disabled. I was born this way. My legs are paralyzed; I cannot walk unless I use my crutches. For longer trips, I use my wheelchair instead; I find it a lot easier. I was born with something called spina bifida; I've had many surgeries because of it. I also have something called hydrocephalus, and I had to have a shunt put into my head to help drain the brain fluid, so that it can go where it's supposed to.
I don't like going to the hospital; I hate needles, and I hate having to have more surgery! Yet my mom and dad always try to help me feel better by sneaking in some ice cream or a new stuffed animal or something, so I can take my mind off things while I'm in there. I appreciate that! I really do!
Because I've been in the hospital so much, I am behind my classmates at school; therefore, I am in special ed, to help me catch up. I also have learning problems on account of my spina bifida, so I need extra help. I'm not nearly as bad off as some of my classmates, though, and I am very thankful for that. My friend, Brycen Quinones, cannot walk or talk; he has severe cerebral palsy and is in a wheelchair. He's still very nice; he never teases me. He is always smiling.
One of my other friends, Bradenton Clarissa Mapes, has Down syndrome and is just learning how to read, even though she is twelve years old. She is also learning how to write. I feel sorry for her, but like Brycen, she is another one who smiles a lot.
Bradenton is also in my class.
I still like to watch "American Idol", listen to my "High School Musical" CD, and read, read, read!! I think reading has helped me learn better. I also like playing with my friends (or with my brothers and sisters, although at times, my brothers and sisters do drive me up the wall!!). I am a very happy kid; I don't let the fact that I can't walk well ruin my day. At least I'm still here! :)
Another thing I love is going to church. I accepted Jesus Christ as my Saviour when I was eight, just over a year ago; I accepted Him at a church camp I went to, and my life hasn't been the same since! I go to church every week at New Promise Baptist Church, and I even sing in the children's choir!
My parents go with me; they've known Jesus ever since they were about my age. While they go to "big-people church", we kids go to "kid's church", where the children's pastor leads the services in the gym, and it's a lot of fun. We sing songs, learn about Jesus and the Bible, play games, and just act goofy! I never knew church could be so much fun!!
Well, I have to get ready for school and eat breakfast, so I gotta go. I will write in here again soon; until then, this is your friend, Soren Parkington, saying so long! God bless you always!
~Love, Soren Danielle, your friend in California.
*to be continued.*
