A Sense of Victory

[Guest guest]

A Sense of Victory by Landon (From Quest Extra May/June 2005)

On my first day of college, my stomach churned with anxiety. In

addition to the normal worries, I wondered: Will I trip? Will

students tease me for walking funny?

I finally found my first class, at the top of a long, looming

staircase. My heart sank as I once again felt Charcot-Marie-Tooth

devouring my self-confidence.

I've been wearing leg braces since freshman year in high school. At

first, I resented the hideous chunks of plastic. I also hated my

stick legs attached to gnarled feet decorated with jagged scars from

surgeries. I could throw the braces under my bed but I couldn't

separate myself from my own legs. CMT was consuming my muscles and my

pride.

To distract myself, I immersed myself in my mental abilities. My legs

might shake and falter but my mind never skipped a beat.

But now, facing this long staircase, I felt discouraged and

heartbroken. I had succeeded in the mental requirements for higher

education only to fail the physical ones. Then I thought of my mom,

who also has CMT. She inspired me to be courageous and determined to

succeed. I took a deep breath, adjusted my backpack and took the

first step.

Since conquering those stairs, I've also overcome my embarrassment of

taking the elevator, using a ramp and sitting in the front row of the

bleachers. I show my braces to those who wonder why I walk a little

differently. College has taught me to accept my differences and run

with my mind instead of my legs.

This disease will never take my sense of victory. My muscles may be

weakened, but learning to live without them only strengthens my

spirit.

Landon , 20, Alpine, Texas, Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease