My full name is Charlotte Marie Winslow.  I am 33 years old.  I live in Nashville, Tennessee, with my mommy and daddy.  I have a big sister named Abbagale, but she was hurt in the war, so she's in the hospital.  She's been there for a while.  I hope she comes home soon, 'cause we miss her so bad!

I am a very good girl.  I go to work (Monday through Friday) at the sheltered workshop they have here for handicapped people, and every Friday, I get my dollars, which I love to spend on music CD's or new dolls.  I am handicapped.  I have something called cerebral palsy and am mentally retarded.  I act and look younger than I really am; most people, they think I'm 'round 12 or so.

I can walk, but I need help.  I wear braces on my legs, and I walk with a crutch.  Sometimes I fall.  My balance isn't that good.  I don't like it when I fall, 'cause sometimes I hurt myself.  And it hurts!!

My mommy, daddy, and Sissie (as I call Abbagale) were born in a place called Australia, and so was I, but I really don't remember it much.  All I know is that Australia is very, very far away, and you have to take an airplane (or a boat) to get there, and it takes a very long time to get there.  Maybe someday mommy and daddy will take me there.  I hope so; I hear Australia is very pretty.

Mommy and daddy say that Sissie might come home from the hospital soon.  They are busy putting in a ramp, 'cause Sissie, she is in a wheelchair.  She no longer has her legs; she needs a wheelchair to get around.  I am sad about this because she can no longer run or jump.  (I can't either.)  She was good at sports; baseball was her bestest sport.  They say that when she gets her new legs, she will be able to do things again, but it will take her a while to get used to them.  I hope so; Sissie was a lot of fun growing up!

Whenever Sissie could come home (before the war, that is), she and I would play, just like old times.  The last time she was here, she got me an Eskimo lady doll.  She is very pretty.  She is my favorite.  I named her Nannuk.  I have many dolls, but Nannuk is the best one.  She's special, 'cause Sissie got her for me.

I hope when Sissie comes home again, she and I can play with my dolls or sing together, or listen to music together!

Well, I gotta go.  Have to eat my breakfast, take my bath, wash my hair, and get ready to go to work.  I work today at 9, and I get off at 5.  I also work Tuesday, Wedneesday, Thursday, and Friday.  On Saturday, I sleep in all day, and Sunday, we go to church, where I learn about Jesus, who loves me.  I don't work on Saturdays or Sundays, 'cause the shop is closed.  I will write again soon; 'til then, this is Charlie Winslow saying bye-bye!  Love you!

~Charlie Marie. :)