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I was Diagnosed with JRA when I was a year old. My mother first noticed the symptoms when I was 3 months old. Which is very young. Most children don't get JRA untill they are at least 9. And JRA usually affect Girls, tho when a boy gets it, it's usually a severe case. Anyways... I have had JRA all my life, and have known nothing different. I grew up knowing my doctors better then I knew my neighbors and the kids at school. I also don't see myself how normal people see me. To me, I'm normal. I don't see myself with JRA. When I move, or make any hand gestures I feel that I more like normal people. Sometimes it takes me awhile to realize that I am different. I also like to sit back and watch other people, how they move, how they look. Honestly I can't fathom how people bend down to the floor to pick something up, or how they squat down. Actually when an annoying teenager or rude adult stare at me like I'm a freak, my first response is to smile, and if that doesn't work, I use my favorite line : "If you think I look odd to you, you can just imagine how you look to me". That usually ends it.. And I continue on my way. I don't mind the stares or questions of children tho. Actually I encourage them to ask questions, how else will they learn. My parents sent me and my brother to a private catholic school from K-7 (for me), and K-6 (for my brother). They were hoping the smaller school would allow the other students to get to know me, and not be distracted by my quickly crippling body. It was a good plan. They all knew me when I looked like them, and they stuck with me when I was in a wheel chair. Many of us becasue good friends.. It was only the schools lack of assistance with my needs and a few teachers that didn't like having the only handicapped student in the school in their class that forced us to leave and attend a public school. Middle school was terrible in the public school system, and High School started off just as bad. Tho by the end of my freshman year in HS I met the most wonderful teachers. Mr. C & Mr. Smith. They introduced me to the Theater. Becasue I was a shy child, I was not about to be an actor. So I became a Techie. Another great teacher Mr. Smith was the Technical Director at the HS, and he found my niche. Lights. I could run the light board computer. After several weeks of learning the system, I was tossed into a play.. Now, when I wanted to get away from all the stares in the hallways, and some of the not so understanding teachers, I could go into the Theater and disappear backstage with a small group of people that quickly became my friends.. I attended a College University for 1 year before my knees had to be replaced. Thankfully I can walk again now, but I haven't gotten back to college except for a few home study classes. Basically all I do now, is try to live. I breed finches and Design Web Pages to make money at the moment. It's not alot, but it usually pays the bills. |