Dear Sammy
Dear Sammy,
When I look at you, when I'm talking with you, I'm simply seeing YOU.
I notice your expressive, shining eyes that allow you to see me in return. Your rosebud mouth which moves so fast as you chatter. Your pink cheeks, flushed from running around and laughing show a healthy and active child! Your thick red hair, brushed and plaited, reveals a loving hand at home.
I notice your birthmarks, and the sweet sprinkling of freckles scattered on your face. The mole above your lip. And I love them all... because they a part of you!
I notice the soft, calming words and gentle pats you give to every animal to cross your path. I see how little children are drawn to your lap, and how you never turn them away but rather embrace their noise and laughter and mess and rough play.
Your nose scrunches slightly to one side, and your eyebrows lean in when you are annoyed or feeling bashful. It's very sweet, and I notice!
I hear the passion in your voice as you share your dreams with me. I notice how confident you are that you will achieve them, and my heart swells with excitement for your future!
You have shed some tears dear Sammy, and have felt embarrassed over your appearance. But please know that what you see as a flaw, I see as only a beautiful, unique part of who you are. All I see is ... you! Don't waste a single second more wishing away a part of you! Embrace and love your body, celebrate all the amazing things it can do, and put more value on your strength of character, your ability to solve problems and to help others, your vibrant personality that always makes others feel included and loved.
When you look in the mirror dear one, this is what I want you to do: smile, blow a loving kiss, and walk away confidently, knowing that you are PERFECTLY IMPERFECT exactly as you are! 😊
Love,
Mim
Mim
Active and healthy
Ability is stronger than disability
Alana is a very talented tennis player - quick, strong, and capable!
She also has a limb difference, but as you will soon learn, her ability is stronger than her disability, and with the support of her coach she has developed an explosive serve technique!
She also has a limb difference, but as you will soon learn, her ability is stronger than her disability, and with the support of her coach she has developed an explosive serve technique!
She holds the racket with her left arm, tosses with her serving arm and then grabs the racket. She still needs to work on getting more height with the toss to allow the motion to develop but so far she is a player to fear! She has excellent sportsmanship and is well respected by her teammates and competitors alike.
Alana is yet to encounter an activity she can't do - she just figures out a different way to do things: sometimes challenging, but never defeating.
Skater chick
Avril is obsessed with skateboarding! Ever since she was little she has watched the local kids doing tricks at the skate park and knew she was born to skate. She loves vert skating and the half pipe, and is currently working on her kickflip.
A lot of boys from out of town smirk when they see her stand at the top of the ramps, her long black hair blowing in the wind, and they yell out stupid insults. Avril just exchanges knowing grins with her mates - they quite enjoy watching the look of incredulous disbelief and embarrassment when the smirkers realize she can skate as good as any of them.
Avril dreams of meeting Tony Hawke and hopes to one day run skate clinics for young girls.
Look what we can do!
We are strong, capable, intelligent, kind, interesting, inquisitive, brave, determined, amazing and fun.
We love to run and jump and do all kinds of wonderful tricks
