To Whom This Concerns,

                        My name is Jamie Goldstein; I'm twelve years old and am in a wheelchair. I did not ask to be in a wheelchair, nor am I in love with the fact I am not able to walk.  I wish that I could walk, it'd make so many things easier, plus I could participate in sports. The things it would make easier are numerous but the biggest would be fitting in.

            In my school I'm the only person who uses a wheelchair and it makes it easier to shun me from activities and such.  I never get invited to birthday parties or to hang out on weekends except by Halie, who is my only friend. Fitting in is hard for me and I've spent more time alone that anything else.

            Another thing that I wish wouldn't happen are people feeling sorry for the ‘poor little girl in the wheelchair'. This irks me so much because people automatically assume I'm helpless when I'm not.  Everyone who sees me at first thinks I'm stupid or completely useless, and I hate it!

            I am completely functional, other than my legs but it doesn't stop me.  I'm at the top of my class, and like watching television and play video games as much as the next person.  I hate being discriminated against because of something I didn't choose and can't change! Everyone is different and that's what makes us special. I hope I can open at least one person's eyes to the truth in front of them and get them to accept it.

Sincerely,

Jamie Goldstein

Keyword: To Whom This Concerns

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Comments (5)

Posted by chaabuk 2008-08-09 10:34:23 Excellent This is highly inspirational to handicapped peole. no one should discourage them by mocking them on their wheelchair etc. The point is, despite the handicap, they are gungho about life and participating in it full force. Liked it immensely. + Report this comment
Posted by lemon 2008-08-10 00:42:30 .... Nice letter. I think you got the point out nicely and articulately. Unfortunately people do have a 'pity or shun' reaction to those who are different. + Report this comment
Posted by The 13th 2008-08-10 07:21:52 .... I think the innocence and vulnerability of a twelve year old came out well. Having lived all my life with a very very bad stamar this letter reminded me of myself when I was immature and did not have confidence.But when I got older I had a very helpful saying. "I do-not give a fuck what any onE thinks about me cus I'm the best." + Report this comment
Posted by harmattan 2008-08-10 13:41:37 chariot Disturbingly effective message from one who cares. Does she take sugar? Why don't you ask her? In my youth I worked in a youf club with multiple sclerosis sufferers. See you next week I'd shout as I locked up. Dont count on it. Was the reply. Kind regards Harmattan + Report this comment
Posted by Terry Collett 2008-08-29 10:02:24 .... You have written well about your situation and have placed the given as pect that you would like most of all to the fore: namely to fit in. How we see things affects how we think of the situation we find ourselves in. The wheelchair may make you different but it ought not make you feel less of a person in your eyes(which you probably do not)or in the eyes of others. You come across in this article as intelligent and aware of the present situation.I think your positveness will or ought to make your presence felt on others. + Report this comment

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