Taking Long Strides in Life Without Legs

1. Taking Long Strides in Life Without Legs By Louie Daniele

2. When I woke up this morning, I was ready for another terrible day at school. I slide out of bed, and dragged myself into the bathroom. While I was in there, I combed my hair and put my clothes on. By time I finished brushing myself up, I had to go down the hall. I have to sleep downstairs, since I cannot go down stairs. When I finally pulled myself up onto the chair, I saw cereal was for breakfast. It was my favorite brand in honey nut cheerios. But that did not change the situation. Going into high school on my first day was not going to be the prettiest sight, but I pulled myself together, to try and get ready for it.

3. When I arrived at school, I didn't want to go inside. Knowing that I was different, the bullies would have their eyes on me. The second that my wheelchair rolled into the school, people were already looking at me funny. Just because I have a wheelchair does not mean that I'm any different from any one else. I tried to ignore it, but it wouldn't go away. Every single person that I wheeled by looked at me like I had three heads. It just infuriates me that just because I looked different doesn't mean I am. I just ignored it and rolled my way down the hall to first period.

4. For once the whole day I actually was appreciated. When I was in Mr. Smith's class, he was teaching us about the human spirit. He pointed at me and asked if I had ever failed in my life. I obviously told him yes. Then he asked me again, did you ever let that hold you back. I told him no sir. After that he asked me if anyone has ever made fun of me. I told him all of the time. Finally he told us before the class ended that "A gentleman will not insult me, and no man not a gentleman can insult me.” I had never heard anything more inspirational in my life.

5. At lunch, all the popular kids sat together, and the nerds, and all of the friends. Then there was me. I sat all alone. Until this one boy joined me. We started to have a conversation. "So what do you like?" he asked. "Basketball." I replied. "Oh me too, we should play sometimes. Do you play for a team?" he questioned.

6. "Yeah I used to play for my old middle school team. I played with all of the normal boys if you can believe." I informed him. As the bell rang, and lunch was over, he spoke up, "my name is Evan, nice to meet you." I responded "Hey Evan, I am Kyle. We should hang out" He smiled at me gave me a thumbs up, and that is how I knew I had made my first friend. Meeting Evan was the high point in my day. He made me happy, and he was probably the most appreciative kid of what he had. And that is how my first day of school panned out

7. Connection Look at the iconic Helen Keller. She was a blind and deaf woman. But she did not let those struggles get in her way. Helen learned how to feel her way through the world. Not only that she did not let her illiteracy get in the way either. She learned how to speak, and become one of the most iconic women to ever step foot on the earth. If she can be remembered for being great, why can’t every disabled person have the opportunity to do this.

8. Conclusion This is how disabled people are treated everyday. We need to put a stop to it. They are humans just like the rest of us. The only difference is that they are more unique. Please go help.