Here’s another piece I wrote back in January when I took my flash fiction and nonfiction class. It’s a letter to my Awana kids explaining my disability and answering some questions they might have. Enjoy!

Awana Awards Ceremony T & T Girls  3-6th grade (Truth & Training) May 2013 at Grace Baptist Church     Dear Awana Kids, I have cerebral palsy or CP for short. I was born this way. I had some problems at birth. Don’t worry it’s not contagious. CP is a condition not an illness. If I had a real illness I couldn’t be here. My wheelchair is nothing to be afraid of. I may look different on the outside but on the inside, I’m just like you.             When I was your age I was in the Awana program just like you. I memorized the same bible verses you memorize, had similar Awana books just like you and got awards just like you. I was very good at memorizing. I got awards for my uniform almost every week.  I was one of the fastest memorizers! My mom was amazed. I turned out to be one of the kids who was the “crème of the crop” as the old saying goes. My body has cerebral palsy not my brain. I always say because I can’t write things down on paper I have to exercise a different part of my brain, which is why I have a great memory.  Some people have told me I have the memory of an elephant because I remember things so well! Have you ever heard the old saying, “An elephant never forgets?” When you come up to me to make conversation with me, you don’t have to slow your speech down or talk to me in a loud voice. Just talk to me like you would anyone else. I can hear you and understand you. We don’t always have to talk about my disability.  I like to talk about other things too. What’s your favorite food? What about your favorite color? How about your favorite candy? My favorite candy is Snickers but I like anything with chocolate. I even have a shirt that says, “Drop the chocolate and nobody gets hurt.” I have quite a sweet tooth! Some people have called me, “Sweet tooth Rachael.” My favorite color is purple.  If you see me drop something on the floor, go ahead and help me pick it up. If we’re going outside somewhere, hold a door for me. I promise I won’t run you over! If you have questions about the lesson, don’t be afraid to come up to me and ask me. I’m just as capable of answering your question as anyone else in the room. Again, my body has CP not my brain. I’m here to have fun with you and honor the Lord with my service the best way I know how. I’m really looking forward to some of the theme nights this year. Crazy hat night is one of my favorites. I think I’ll wear my Dr, Suess hat. “I do not like them Sam I am. I do not like green eggs and ham.” I’m really looking forward to a fun year at Awana of studying God’s Word with you and getting to know everyone better!  Love, Rachael   ,