My name is Abby.  I am sixteen years old. 

I live with my family in Galveston, Texas. 

I am blind.  I have always been blind: I have never known what it is like to see.

It sometimes makes me sad because I don't know what colors are or what it is like to see the Gulf of Mexico, people, animals, trees, the sun/moon/stars, or pretty flowers blooming. 

All my life I have seen nothing but shadows, not even a hint of recognizable features.  It's like I'm stuck in a grey fog that I can never emerge from.

I think I have done pretty good, all thinngs, considering. 

I have learned to read and write in Braille and can get around quite well, thanks to my trusty red-and-white cane and my seeing-eye dog, "Nascar".  (My dad is a huge fan of Nascar racing! LOL) 

I have learned how to navigate around obstacles, but sometimes "Nascar" will get friendly and try to greet people when I need his total concentration to help me get around easier.  Sometimes he'll accidentally run me into objects (or into other people), and several times I have fallen.  I get mad at my dog; don't mean to, but he needs to pay attention!!!!

Other than my blindness, I'm like any other typical teenage girl.  I love to gab on the phone with my friends, go to the mall, shop for clothes (with their help, of course!), go out to eat with my family, go to church (we are Catholic), dance, sing, and listen to the tv (can't watch it, so I listen instead! LOL).  I also love to read and write (with the Braille system).  In addition, I love to swim and play baseball on a team for children and youth with physical or mental disabilities.

I love to have fun!! :)

I am in the tenth grade at St. Mary's Heart Academy.  I do well in all my classes; the sisters are all very pleased with my work, as are my parents.

I am an only child.  I don't have any brothers or sisters.

When I grow up I want to be a singer or a teacher to other blind kids like me.

Well, I know this is short, but class is about to change in less than five minutes, so I'll run along.  I might write in here again soon.  I hope you liked my story. Until later, this is Abby saying so long and God bless!

~Abby Jolene Conifer, Galveston, Texas. :)