By HAROLD KELLER

A few years ago, I had the privilege of speaking at East Thibodaux High School. In the first session, which included all ninth- graders, there was a young girl in a wheelchair. She had a pleasant smile, listened intently, and enjoyed the session.

As I was ending the presentation, I asked her how long she had been confined to a wheelchair. “All my life,” she answered. Somehow, I couldn’t feel sorry for her, because she seemed happier and more content than the majority of the other students. In spite of her handicap, she had a zest for life. I told her that meeting her was a blessing and that God was going to use her in a special way.

Upon leaving the school, Ms. Renee Clement, a teacher, handed me a poem written by the young girl in the wheelchair. I hope it will touch you as it did me.

“More the Same than Different”
By Ashley Marie Borne

“Your daughter has spina bifida!” the doctor said.
Waves of shock penetrated the parents’ bodies,
And tears welled in their eyes.
“Why?” “How?” Unanswered questions,
Wheelchairs, crutches, braces,
Cold, hard steel.
Operations, catheters, muscle spasms,
Unable to run, walk, play ball, dance and swim.
So many adventures will never be enjoyed.
Children watch as she swings into school on crutches.
Stares, whispers, accompany her every staggered move.
Her beautiful, dark-brown eyes are barely noticed.
Lonely days go by,
Her vivacious laugh and winning smile
Bring joy at last.
Her first “friend!” True and blue!
Her legs can’t leap,
But her heart does!
Years go by,
Her fears more intense.
Time for the prom.
She is asked!
Her legs can’t dance,
But her heart does.
College, med school,
Summa cum laude!
Her legs can’t jump for joy,
But her heart does.
She prays, “Oh, God, I can’t walk,
But I can hear Your voice.
I can’t run,
But I can see Your beauty.
I can’t swim,
But I can feel Your love.
Allow me to help those who can walk
But can’t hear Your voice
Who can run,
But can’t see Your beauty.
And who can swim
But are drowning without Your love,
For they are more handicapped than I.”

HAROLD KELLER writes this column as part of his affiliation with the Get High on Life religious motivational group. Call him at (985) 652-8477 or write to P.O. Drawer U, Reserve, LA 70084.