A child lets people know just how she really is inside, and it is not what is on the surface that counts.
I am more than a person who happens to be disabled. Yet, most people don't take the time to realize that, and it really BUGS me!
If one gets the chance to get to know me, then they would find out that I am a kid who loves to laugh and make others happy. I am a kid who has had to endure much pain or hardship in my life, and even though my life now STILL isn't easy, my life is certainly a LOT better than a lot of people's! Compared to a lot of people, I think I have it pretty good!
However, when people first see me, all they REALLY seem to see is the fact that I am on crutches and leg braces and/or use a wheelchair from time to time. They don't notice my brightly colored clothes, or my face or even my hair: all they seem to see are the crutches or the leg braces I use in order to walk, or my bumpy-looking hands, and my limping walk; and I am sorry if I may sound rude, but these things are NOT what makes me ME. I am a PERSON first, and I demand to be treated as such! My disabilities are only a SMALL part of who I am, and I wish people would stop dwelling on the fact that I do not get around as well as they do! In fact, people should be GLAD to get around as well as they do; what I wouldn't give to be able to walk WITHOUT my crutches or leg braces for just ONE day, or a day WITHOUT pain--that would be downright HEAVENLY!
Even worse than being disabled (if THAT is possible, but it IS!) is my height (or lack OF). I may be nearly 10 1/2 years old, but let's face it..I am SHORT. I am among the shortest in my grade, and it is really embarrassing because in school pictures, I am really easy to find. Or I'll have people say to me, "Shouldn't you be in the second grade class instead of in the fourth grade class? You're a little short there, kid..." Or kids will call me "Shrimp" or "Short Stuff", and I REALLY get annoyed!
Unfortunately, Dr. Emmons and Dr. Hansen (they're my primary doctors; Dr. E. is my regular pediatrician, and Dr. H. is my pediatric rheumatologist, or joint doctor) both say that I will probably remain short throughout my lifetime, so I guess I'll just have to learn to accept the fact that I'll never be tall.... :(
Even though I am short and physically disabled, I am still ME, and I happen to love myself (MOST of the time; I DO have my moments where I have my own pity parties!). I am a very good person, and I am a person who is blessed by God. God blessed me with a family who was willing to take me in as their own child and love me, and He has also blessed me with a talent for singing or playing music, and because of this, I have had the opportunity to perform in front of many people (and witness to them about the love of Jesus Christ), and I have met many famous celebrities and got to have my picture taken with them, too!
I am glad I am ME; I wouldn't want to have it any other way, even with all that I have been through in my life! :)
This second book in Edie's 'Puddle' series is filled with wonderful catchy rhyming poems that have positive nostalgic messages. Her whimsical illustrations carry the poems along on ripples of warm vibrant colours.
Rasputin, the most feared wolf in the forest, bent on revenge for old insults. But then one night his life is turned around and a new future presents itself... will the old wolf choose to accept it?
