Dear God, This is Charles. I turned twelve the other day. If younoticed, I'm typing this letter. Sometimes it's hardfor me to write, you know. It's this thing calleddysgraphia. I also have Attention DeficitDisorder-oftentimes learning disabilities accompanyA.D.D. My IQ was tested at 140, but if you graded mycursive, you'd think I was dumb. I never could hold a pencil the right way. I nevercould color in the lines. Every time I would try, myhand would cramp up and the letters would come outsloppy, the lines too dark, and the marker would getall over my hands. Nobody wanted to switch papers withme to grade them because they couldn't read them.Keith could, but he moved away. My brain doesn't sense what my hand is doing. I canfeel the pencil, but the message doesn't get throughright. I have to grip the pencil tighter so my brainknows that I have it in my hand. It's much easier for me to explain things by talkingthan it is to write. I'm really good at dictating, butmy teachers don't always let me. If I am asked towrite an essay on my trip to Washington andPhiladelphia, it's like a punishment. But if I candictate it, or just get up and talk about it, I cantell everyone about the awesomeness of seeing theDeclaration of Independence in the National Archivesor the feeling of true patriotism that rushed throughme when I stood in the room where our founding fathersdebated the issues of freedom. If I got graded on art, I'd fail for sure. There areso many things I can picture in my mind, but my handsjust don't draw it the way I see it.It's okay. I'm not complaining. I'm really doing fine.You see, you gave me a wonderful mind and a greatsense of humor. I'm great at figuring things out, andI love to debate. We have some great Bible discussionsin class, and that's where I really shine. I want to be a lawyer when I group up, a trial lawyerin fact. I know I'd be good at that. I would beresponsible for researching the crime, examining theevidence and truthfully presenting the case.You have told me that you made me special when yousaid that I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Youhave assured me that you will see me through, and thatyou have plans for me to give me a future and hope. My parents want to help me, so they bought me a laptopto take to school. My teacher is the best this year! Iam allowed to do a lot of my work on the computer. Wehave a character trait book due every Friday, andguess what? She lets me use Print Shop Deluxe for theartwork. For the first time, I'll be able to showeveryone some of the things I have in my mind. Lord, this is a thank-you letter, just to let you knowI'm doing fine. Life's hard sometimes, but you knowwhat? I accept the challenge. I have the faith to seemyself through anything. Thanks for making me me.Thanks for loving me unconditionally. Thanks foreverything.
In your service,Charles Charles Inglehart, age 12From the Chicken Soup for the Kid's Soul ROCK Your Life! - Jenny Jusuf - http://jennyjusuf.blogspot.com
