My name is Aubri Rene Goskins, but most of my friends call me "Babe".  I am thirteen years old and I live in a home for children with disabilities.  I was with a foster family for the past six months but then I had to come back here.  I was really disappointed; I was hoping I could stay with my foster family!  I am in the foster care system and the Robisons are trying to adopt me but so far nothing has come to light.  I am hoping that they will take me to be their daughter; I really liked being with the Robisons!

I was born with spina bifida.  Basically that means my spine didn't close right while I was being formed inside my birth mother's womb; because of this my lower half is paralyzed and I am in a wheelchair (though I can walk with a wheeled walker for short distances).  I have to wear a catheter because I don't have the ability to empty my bladder like most people and I also wear disposable diapers, which is embarrassing at times. 

I used to walk on crutches, but I fell five months ago and shattered my hip bone; it's still healing now as I write this.  So I have to use a walker for the time being.  It's a pain (meaning the walker; I hate it!).

My best friend here is Jeanetta Lynn Dawkins.  She is 12 and has hydrocephalus.  She cannot walk but she can talk your ear off if you'll let her.  She and I can talk just about anything and we like a lot of the same things.  We get along famously.  I have been friends with her since we were in kindergarten and we can read each other's mind like a book.  We're so close we're almost like sisters.

When I am not playing on the computer, I like to write stories, read, draw, ride horses (I go to handicapped riding classes every Saturday), swim, ski (I sit on a special sit ski type contraption and away I go!), and play Little League baseball on a team for kids with special needs.  I am quite active, even with having spina bifida; it's really never stopped me (though surgery or hospital stays oftentimes do).

When I grow up I want to be a teacher for kids who are disabled.  I want to give them a sense of hope and purpose.  I also want to be adopted (by the Robisons).  If that could happen, I would be the world's happiest kid!

I hope you enjoyed reading about me.  I will write in here again soon; until later, take care and God bless!  I have homework to do so I must go.  Bye!

~Babe.  :)