(Side note: I wrote this article last year, but thought that it was worth bringing back out. The prompt was something to the effect of: "Describe someone who has greatly impacted your life and why". It had a length-limit on it, otherwise there is no doubt it would be longer. Enjoy!)
"Adam Sealcott sits at just under four feet tall and weighs approximately 75 pounds. Diagnosed with Myelomeningocele, the most severe form of spina bifida, Adam has been paralyzed from the waist down and confined to a wheelchair his entire life. Those who know Adam, however, do not see a boy in a wheelchair when they look at him; they see a musician, a writer, a comedian, a spelling bee champion, a skateboarder, and a friend. Technically, Adam is handicapped, which means he is supposedly "disadvantaged", but his positive outlook on life and his determination often give him an advantage over those who do not have physical disabilities.
My friendship with Adam has radically shaped who I am today. Adam has taught me to make the best of what I have; he has taught me that if you do not excel at one thing, do that much better at something else. Adam may not be able to use his legs for football and basketball like his twin brother, but he uses what he has, which is his arms, his voice, and his mind, to play the guitar, sing, and write his own song lyrics. Instead of getting upset about the things he cannot do, Adam focuses on what he can do and what he does well. Adam has helped me be a stronger person when facing challenges, and he has taught me to focus on the positive things in life and in myself. All people shine in their own way; it is simply a matter of finding how to do so."
Adam is currently: pursuing his dreams. What are you doing
?
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1 comment:
I love this short but inspirational piece of writing. I know exactly what you mean and have seen evidence of this all around me for years. I have people in my life who were born with all the advantages of sound mind and body..... who take for granted their gifts. I work with people with "disabilities" and it's pretty amazing to interact with them and be inspired by their optimism and imagination. It's seems a reminder to humanity that many great and inpiring personalities in world or even local history; people whose character we love and are in awe of are forged in the fires of adversity. By keeping a spirit of faith and optimism when most others would have long ago resorted to a spirit of defeat and self-loathing. Reminding others that life can be amazingly beautiful if we just look at it from the right perspective with an open heart!
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