It's me, you in 27 years. You had a
pretty rough day today and that kid was really mean. Sometimes (and I
know you've heard this a 1000 times) kids make fun of another kid to
make themselves feel better because they have something in their life
that is making them hurt. I am sure that he did it just to win his
friends over and draw the attention to himself. You did not deserve the
ridicule or pain he caused you. All you did was give your classmates
the honest truth about why you found the 3km run harder than the rest of
them. See, unfortunately, without you sitting down and taking off that
running shoe they didn't believe you because they could not see. They
didn't see that your right foot doesn't look like your left one exactly.
They didn't see your "lucky fin" (threw in a Nemo reference there
because someday you are going to be a HUGE Disney fanatic who will marry
a prince charming who is also a big kid at heart but I digress...).
You see, your mum was a fighter just like you.
During those long hours of labour and being told by the doctor that
your head had turned sideways, she knew you were going to come out
fighting and she never gave up. NEVER, EVER give up. Finally after a
c-section surgery, you came into this world. But, due to the doctor's
delay in performing the c-section, there was a complication. You had
suffered a little damage due to lack of oxygen and even developed a
"shock spot" on your little newborn head. (And you thought you were
born with a blonde streak from natural beauty - well sorta). It wasn't
until you started the crawl-to-walk phase that your parents discovered
there was a little bit of a motor skill problem with your right leg and
foot. A doctor's visit led to the discovery of a mild case of Cerebral
Palsy. Your parents being the wonderful people they are, took it in
stride and decided to proceed with physiotherapy to enable their little
girl to manage this as best as possible.
And so, now that we've had that recap. Let me
disclose to you some very important things to keep in mind during your
teens, and early adulthood.
1. God don't make no junk.
2. Yes your right calf muscle isn't as strong as the left and yes your
right foot is a little different looking then the left - who cares! You
hide the toes on your right foot when barefoot because you are ashamed.
WHY? Just because one side is different than the other doesn't change
your character or who you ARE. It worked for Nemo!
3. You are blessed and you know that. You are always thankful for
each day and you feel such compassion for those with disabilities.
Take to heart that God creates everyone with a purpose.
4.
In 7 years time, you are going to graduate from college! (Ooops that
was supposed to be a surprise). But I can't help myself - you have been
saved by God's grace and even though you have the 'slight' disability -
he has blessed you with the love of knowledge.
So, don't listen to that boy who said he thought you
were lying about being born with CP. He doesn't know the obstacles you
have overcome and luckily, he won't be around for your VICTORIES! You
know your limits and you know when to SMASH them to pieces. Keep your
head up, be a good friend to those who hang out with, always tell those
you love that you love them. It is COOL to be best friends with your
mum and dad. Believe in yourself. You will always meet someone who
says "no you can't" (including yourself) but you will find joy when you
do something you thought you couldn't - just remember to thank God when
you do ;) .
Take care of that lucky fin girl and remember, it is not what defines you - it is what makes you STRONG!
Love ya!
You in 27 years.
