I may be different, but, not by much.
I am human, I make mistakes,
I've had my share of troubles and heartaches.
The world may see me as different, but, I don't care.
We all know that life's not always fair.
In God's eyes, I'm completely normal,
For that's the way he made me.
God makes no mistakes, for he is perfect.
So, I am not a mistake or a disability, I am a person.
I am one who is able to speak my mind,
I am loving, compassionate and kind.
I have hopes and dreams too,
I am no more different than you.
I was born
Crystal Gail Stockwell on November 1st, 1982, in Columbia, Missouri, to Johnny
and Nora Stockwell. I am a surviving twin who was born prematurely. My
sister, Charity Hope, was stillborn. My mom went into labor when she was only 7
months into her pregnancy. I weighed a mere 3 lbs and Charity weighed 2 lbs. I
was
in the hospital from November of '82 until January of '83. I came home weighing
a whole 5 lbs! I was put on a heart monitor for awhile because I would forget to
breathe.
I never crawled, sat up, walked, or
did any of the things "normal" babies do. So,
my mom took me to the doctor and I was diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy, a
disability this is caused by being born premature and by the lack of oxygen to
the brain. I sustained damage to the part of the brain that controls motor
skills. So, I depend
on someone to take care of all of my needs because I am unable to bathe, dress
myself, feed myself, etc. I have been in a wheelchair since the age of 4. I have
very limited use of my hands. Because I am unable to write, I use the computer
to
keep in touch with my friends and write poetry.
Cerebral Palsy hasn't affected my intelligence or my
ability to communicate. At age 5, I started into public school. I went through
kindergarten, in New Franklin.
Then, in 1989, my family and I moved to Texas and I spent the rest of my school
years there. In 2001, I graduated High School with honors.
Today, I am back in Missouri, living with my
mother and grandparents and I
volunteer at a nursing home, visiting with residents during the summer. I
have 4 brothers and nieces and nephews who I love dearly. I love my family with
all of my
heart. God has truly Blessed me. I could be a lot worse off, but, thank God I'm
not! Do I wish I could drive a car or just walk down the street? Yes, I do. I
have feelings and dreams just like any normal woman. I do enjoy life. I have had
my
share of trials, but, God has been with me since day one. He has proven time and
time again that no matter what happens, he's still in Control. With God by my
side everyday and a family who loves me, I've got everything I need!
