The surgery performed on my foot turned out great. From this point on, my childhood was filled with surgeries and hospital memories.
To keep a very long story short, I had another surgery performed on the same foot, and later had the same two surgeries done on my other foot. As mentioned before, I was born with my hands clenched in a fist-like position. The doctors decided to operate on my hands to open them up and allow me the opportunity to use them in life. In total, I had over 8 surgeries on my hands and feet combined. My last surgery was done on my hands when I was approximately 6 years old.
To keep a very long story short, I had another surgery performed on the same foot, and later had the same two surgeries done on my other foot. As mentioned before, I was born with my hands clenched in a fist-like position. The doctors decided to operate on my hands to open them up and allow me the opportunity to use them in life. In total, I had over 8 surgeries on my hands and feet combined. My last surgery was done on my hands when I was approximately 6 years old.
Overall, I would have to say that from what I can remember, the hospital visits were great. Yes, I was always there having surgery, but the staff of nurses were amazing and made me feel welcomed and happy. My family always flew or drove down there to visit me and spend time with me in the hospitals, while I recovered. My parents got along great with the staff and loved the fact that they could meet other children with similar conditions to mine. My mom states that she learned so much from these children and from the hospital.
The surgeries done on my hands required a lot of physical therapy. The doctors wanted to make sure that I gained strength and flexibility in my hands. They were a little pessimistic when it came to how much I would actually be able to do with my hands. My parents were told that I probably would never be able to hold a pencil well enough to write something down. In therapy I learned how to utilize my hands in my unique way. I practiced picking different objects up that were in different shapes. I practiced fastening buttons on shirts, which frustrated me because it was very hard for me. I also practiced holding pencils.
Eventually, the time came for me to start school. Naturally my parents enrolled me under the Special Education Pre-K Program. From what I am told, I loved it. My teachers, however, said that they did not think that I needed to be there. They told my parents that what I had was plainly physical and that my brain was perfect. They suggested I be enrolled in regular classes with other students, so that is exactly what happened. I started regular classes in Kindergarten. By this time, I had already started getting the hang of holding pencils and using them.
Eventually, the time came for me to start school. Naturally my parents enrolled me under the Special Education Pre-K Program. From what I am told, I loved it. My teachers, however, said that they did not think that I needed to be there. They told my parents that what I had was plainly physical and that my brain was perfect. They suggested I be enrolled in regular classes with other students, so that is exactly what happened. I started regular classes in Kindergarten. By this time, I had already started getting the hang of holding pencils and using them.
Being a special needs child in a regular classroom can be overwhelming to some, but for me it was normal. I got along with my classmates and made friends. Yes, they would ask me what happened or why I looked the way I did, but they accepted me for who I was. I really appreciated that.
When I was approximately 7 years old, my parents gave my sister and me some great news. They were expecting another baby! I was so excited and kept telling them that I wanted a baby brother to play with. Well, my dad got lucky because out popped another baby girl! She came out perfectly healthy and we were grateful for that (Love you, too!).
When I was approximately 7 years old, my parents gave my sister and me some great news. They were expecting another baby! I was so excited and kept telling them that I wanted a baby brother to play with. Well, my dad got lucky because out popped another baby girl! She came out perfectly healthy and we were grateful for that (Love you, too!).
As I became older and more aware about my condition, it became harder for me to emotionally deal with it. I saw myself as a normal child, but I knew there were things that I could not do like other kids. I was raised to be proud of who I was and to accept myself. I had a family that adored me and never treated me different, a sister that looked up to me, and friends at school, but sometimes that is not enough to fill in that small void.
I moved to a new school the summer before 3rd grade year. I was old enough to remember that I was nervous about what kids might say or think. I lost my old friends and had to make new ones. As a child, I was very outgoing and had a lot of spunk, but I think this is the year that I started becoming shy.
I had an awesome teacher that would always do his best to help me. I was no longer wearing braces on my feet. Instead, I had insoles made exclusively for my feet and would wear tennis. I have always had a hard time walking because of the Arthrogryposis, so my teacher would set me straight. He would see me dragging my feet and immediately tell me to pick them up. I also remember him spending extra time with me when it came to teaching me how to print and write. I finally learned how to write with a pencil! Not only did I know how to write, I had really nice writing! I won a certificate for best handwriting in his class.
That year ended up being an awesome year. I met new people, made best friends, and had a great teacher. I finished my 4th and 5th grades at the same school. I continued having friends and getting along with everyone, but I still did not accept myself completely deep down. I would have to say that Physical Education was the hardest for me. My Arthrogryposis prevents me from bending my knees completely; therefore, I cannot run. I would sit around and watch all of the other kids run and play sports, while I helped the coach. He would sometimes ask the kids who would want to play with me that day. So I would play “house” or something else with that kid (usually a friend), while everyone did P.E.. I eventually got used to this and enjoyed it, but I knew deep down that all I wanted was to play sports with the other kids.
Middle school was a whole other story. I guess this is the age where you start realizing that you are growing up. You also learn more about yourself as a person. Well, what I learned in middle school was that I was a shy girl that was starting to like boys. I tried having confidence, but it was hard for me. When I first started middle school, we were allowed to wear whatever we wanted. I used to wear dresses and shorts to school, but then in 7th grade we were required to start using uniforms. They consisted of pants and a polo. I guess this change stuck with me for the long run because ever since then I have not gone out in public with shorts or skirts.
I had a lot of fun in middle school and had good friends, but when it came to boys and my confidence, I was still very down. I think that 8th grade was the toughest for me. It’s not that I was bullied, but I was shut down by boys in the cruelest ways; especially one boy that I had a huge crush on.
Another huge impact on my life also occurred in 8th grade. I was about 12 or 13 years old when local doctors detected Scoliosis* in my back. I did not really understand what was going on, but the doctors explained that with me going to start puberty soon, the Scoliosis was going to get worse very quickly. They said the best option was to send me to Houston with their specialists and had a brace made for my torso. So that is exactly what happened. My mom flew me to Houston and I had a brace made for my back. I do not have a picture of mine exactly, but it resembled the one below very much. Its purpose was to keep my back as straight as possible, while preventing my spine to curve drastically. Although it did help my spine, it also effected my growth. I stopped growing once I was diagnosed with Scoliosis due to the spine curving.
I moved to a new school the summer before 3rd grade year. I was old enough to remember that I was nervous about what kids might say or think. I lost my old friends and had to make new ones. As a child, I was very outgoing and had a lot of spunk, but I think this is the year that I started becoming shy.
I had an awesome teacher that would always do his best to help me. I was no longer wearing braces on my feet. Instead, I had insoles made exclusively for my feet and would wear tennis. I have always had a hard time walking because of the Arthrogryposis, so my teacher would set me straight. He would see me dragging my feet and immediately tell me to pick them up. I also remember him spending extra time with me when it came to teaching me how to print and write. I finally learned how to write with a pencil! Not only did I know how to write, I had really nice writing! I won a certificate for best handwriting in his class.
That year ended up being an awesome year. I met new people, made best friends, and had a great teacher. I finished my 4th and 5th grades at the same school. I continued having friends and getting along with everyone, but I still did not accept myself completely deep down. I would have to say that Physical Education was the hardest for me. My Arthrogryposis prevents me from bending my knees completely; therefore, I cannot run. I would sit around and watch all of the other kids run and play sports, while I helped the coach. He would sometimes ask the kids who would want to play with me that day. So I would play “house” or something else with that kid (usually a friend), while everyone did P.E.. I eventually got used to this and enjoyed it, but I knew deep down that all I wanted was to play sports with the other kids.
Middle school was a whole other story. I guess this is the age where you start realizing that you are growing up. You also learn more about yourself as a person. Well, what I learned in middle school was that I was a shy girl that was starting to like boys. I tried having confidence, but it was hard for me. When I first started middle school, we were allowed to wear whatever we wanted. I used to wear dresses and shorts to school, but then in 7th grade we were required to start using uniforms. They consisted of pants and a polo. I guess this change stuck with me for the long run because ever since then I have not gone out in public with shorts or skirts.
I had a lot of fun in middle school and had good friends, but when it came to boys and my confidence, I was still very down. I think that 8th grade was the toughest for me. It’s not that I was bullied, but I was shut down by boys in the cruelest ways; especially one boy that I had a huge crush on.
Another huge impact on my life also occurred in 8th grade. I was about 12 or 13 years old when local doctors detected Scoliosis* in my back. I did not really understand what was going on, but the doctors explained that with me going to start puberty soon, the Scoliosis was going to get worse very quickly. They said the best option was to send me to Houston with their specialists and had a brace made for my torso. So that is exactly what happened. My mom flew me to Houston and I had a brace made for my back. I do not have a picture of mine exactly, but it resembled the one below very much. Its purpose was to keep my back as straight as possible, while preventing my spine to curve drastically. Although it did help my spine, it also effected my growth. I stopped growing once I was diagnosed with Scoliosis due to the spine curving.
This was another reason for me to be self conscious. I had to wear it all day and night, but I could have a one hour break in the evening. I learned to accept that it was for my best and was thankful for our school uniforms. Mine fit baggy so it helped cover the brace. Only my close friends knew what was underneath.
It was finally time for high school and I was excited. That excitement dropped very fast the first day of school. I learned that all of my friends had gone to another school and I was alone at mine. Once again I had to learn to make new friends and to overcome my shyness. I met my bestie freshman year and have been friends till this day. It was hard being in high school and wearing a brace, but I had to learn how to manage. To overcome some of my shyness I signed up for a dance class and performed for basketball games. It was fun. High school went by very quickly. I actually started dating freshman year, which gave me confidence. I learned that I had to accept myself before someone else would.
When I turned 15 years old, my grandma asked me if I would like to take a trip to San Juan de los Lagos, Mexico to visit La Virgin, since she had promised to take me on my 15th birthday. Her, my aunt, and I traveled for over 14 hours by bus. When we arrived at the church, my grandma got down on her knees and made her way to the alter to thank the Virgin for the miracle of allowing me to walk. It was amazing to see this church. It was beautiful. There was a special room inside the church that was filled with pictures. These pictures were of people that had gone there to pray for a miracle and had received it. I was stunned at how many people’s lives had been changed. I was truly blessed to have had the opportunity to go to that church with my grandma.
By the time I was a junior, I did not have to wear the brace anymore. It was a big deal for me! Now I was able to wear shirts that I could not before and also do things that I do not think I would have been able to do before neither. I learned how to drive! My parents would allow me to take the family minivan to school everyday. I was in charge of dropping off my sisters and then heading to school. For me that was a true blessing. I started realizing that I do not have to set limits to myself. I can do anything anyone else can, but I do it differently. I spent the rest of my years in high school having fun with my friends and just being myself.
At the age of 18, doctors wanted to operate on my hands once more to open them up more. I denied the surgery because I was fine the way I was already. I did not want to go through therapy again and learn how to function once more. They discharged me from the Shriner’s Hospital. It was sad for me because I had been going there twice a year for 18 years. It was the end of one chapter and the beginning of another.
After high school, I decided to attend my local community college. I was not sure exactly what I wanted to do, but I knew I did want to graduate and be the first in my family. I also started working my first job at the college, while attending classes. I was hired in the Center for Students with Disabilities as a Note-Taker.
It was finally time for high school and I was excited. That excitement dropped very fast the first day of school. I learned that all of my friends had gone to another school and I was alone at mine. Once again I had to learn to make new friends and to overcome my shyness. I met my bestie freshman year and have been friends till this day. It was hard being in high school and wearing a brace, but I had to learn how to manage. To overcome some of my shyness I signed up for a dance class and performed for basketball games. It was fun. High school went by very quickly. I actually started dating freshman year, which gave me confidence. I learned that I had to accept myself before someone else would.
When I turned 15 years old, my grandma asked me if I would like to take a trip to San Juan de los Lagos, Mexico to visit La Virgin, since she had promised to take me on my 15th birthday. Her, my aunt, and I traveled for over 14 hours by bus. When we arrived at the church, my grandma got down on her knees and made her way to the alter to thank the Virgin for the miracle of allowing me to walk. It was amazing to see this church. It was beautiful. There was a special room inside the church that was filled with pictures. These pictures were of people that had gone there to pray for a miracle and had received it. I was stunned at how many people’s lives had been changed. I was truly blessed to have had the opportunity to go to that church with my grandma.
By the time I was a junior, I did not have to wear the brace anymore. It was a big deal for me! Now I was able to wear shirts that I could not before and also do things that I do not think I would have been able to do before neither. I learned how to drive! My parents would allow me to take the family minivan to school everyday. I was in charge of dropping off my sisters and then heading to school. For me that was a true blessing. I started realizing that I do not have to set limits to myself. I can do anything anyone else can, but I do it differently. I spent the rest of my years in high school having fun with my friends and just being myself.
At the age of 18, doctors wanted to operate on my hands once more to open them up more. I denied the surgery because I was fine the way I was already. I did not want to go through therapy again and learn how to function once more. They discharged me from the Shriner’s Hospital. It was sad for me because I had been going there twice a year for 18 years. It was the end of one chapter and the beginning of another.
After high school, I decided to attend my local community college. I was not sure exactly what I wanted to do, but I knew I did want to graduate and be the first in my family. I also started working my first job at the college, while attending classes. I was hired in the Center for Students with Disabilities as a Note-Taker.
College was fun for me. I refused to be the shy girl anymore. I had already accepted myself for who I was and was happy. I eventually turned 21 and decided to live it up. Even though my body sometimes gave me limitations, I wanted to try to live as much as possible. I would go dancing with friends, shopping, out to eat, and everything that a girl my age should do. I graduated from Community College with my Associate’s in Business Administration.
I was unsure if I would be able to handle a university, since they are usually very large and require a lot of walking. When I found out that the university I was interested in had a disability center, I went to talk to them to see what they could do for me. They said that the only service I would benefit from was one that allows them to move classes to a specific location on campus, so I would be able to walk there without any problem. I took this into consideration and decided to enroll at the university.
University life was very different from college. I had a lot more walking to do, but I managed. I met awesome people and professors. When I finally chose my major, Computer Information Systems, I joined an organization for technology majors. I graduated with my Bachelor in Business Administration CIS, which for me was a huge accomplishment.
I was unsure if I would be able to handle a university, since they are usually very large and require a lot of walking. When I found out that the university I was interested in had a disability center, I went to talk to them to see what they could do for me. They said that the only service I would benefit from was one that allows them to move classes to a specific location on campus, so I would be able to walk there without any problem. I took this into consideration and decided to enroll at the university.
University life was very different from college. I had a lot more walking to do, but I managed. I met awesome people and professors. When I finally chose my major, Computer Information Systems, I joined an organization for technology majors. I graduated with my Bachelor in Business Administration CIS, which for me was a huge accomplishment.
My family is everything to me and when I saw their faces when I walked across that stage, I nearly broke. I graduated for myself, of course, but deep down I did it for them. I did it to show them that they raised me the right way. They raised me to be confident, independent, and above all to accept myself.
*NOTE: For those of you that do not know what Scoliosis is, it is “a sideways curvature of the spine that occurs most often during the growth spurt just before puberty” (Information retrieved from http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/scoliosis/DS00194)