People are often surprised when they discover that I have four fingers on each hand (as well as four toes) on each foot.  Yet despite the two missing digits, it has never really slowed me down much.  I just do things a little differently is all.

My name is Albertino Reynaldo de la Huerta.  I am 11 years old.  I live in Fort Worth, Texas, with my family: my mami y papi, mi abuela, y mi hernanos y hermanas (mother and daddy, grandmother, and my brothers and sisters).

I just completed fifth grade.  I will begin sixth grade (and my first year of middle school) in September.

I do just about anything my friends do.  I swim, play basketball, baseball, football, and futbol (soccer).  I do hacky-sack and run track.  I am quite athletic, even with having a physical disability like mine.  

Nobody knows what happened when I was being formed in my mother's womb, but obviously, something did, or else I would have ten fingers and ten toes just like anybody else.  Sometimes people do find it weird, but I've gotten used to it; I hardly even think about it most of the time, which is the way I prefer it to be.

At first, my parents were very sad about what had happened, but I've learned to overcome my disability and have a very happy, normal, carefree life.  Sometimes people do stare or say things, but soon I put 'em in their place by showing 'em just what I am able to do, and then they shut up.

When I grow up I would like to be a doctor (pediatrician).  Or maybe a teacher to kids with disabilities.  I want to give 'em hope and show 'em that just 'cause one is disabled, that doesn't mean they can't dream or do whatever they want in life.

So that is my story.  I will write in here again soon; right now, Mami wants me to take out the trash.  Take care and God bless!

~Albertino.  :)