I wish my life was a lot easier than it is. 

I am 12 years old, but people wouldn't know that until I told them.  I look no older than the age of ten.  I am very small for my age, and look even younger than that. 

I also have problems.  I was born early and ended up with cerebral palsy, which caused me to have brain damage and physical problems.  I can walk, but I walk with crutches and wear braces on my legs.  I didn't learn to walk until I was six, only six years ago.  Before that, I was in a wheelchair.  Sometimes I still use my chair, especially if we go to places that require a lot of extra walking; it's much easier on me.

In addition to that, I have learning problems.  I am what people call a "slow learner".  Even though I am 12, I can't read anything above picture books or some first grade books.  I also can't write that well.  (As I am writing this, I am using a Spell-Checker because my spelling is so bad.  It would look like a kindergartener was doing the writing instead of a 12-year-old!)

My parents are helping me write this.  I am not doing this myself.

I am in the special needs class at my school.  I am in the fourth grade.  I am two years behind most 12-year-olds, so I need a little extra help to catch up.  It's not easy, though.  I only end up getting frustrated, and I often cry, right in front of everybody.

I don't have that many friends.  Even the kids in special needs tease me.  They call me names like "baby", "stupid", or "retarded".  Sometimes the teasing gets so bad I throw up right in front of everybody, and then I have to go home early.  It's really bad.

I have a brother.  Even he teases me.  He is only eight, but he calls me stupid.  Mom and dad don't like him doing that, but they let him get away with it 'cause he's the baby, and in their eyes he can do no wrong.  I think they would rather have him than me; I know they probably love him more than me.

It's bad enough getting teased by the other kids at school; do I have to put up with the same thing at home, too?  It's like I can never get a break!  I hate my life; sometimes I wish I had never been born!!