My inspiration

By Karley Chynces '13

I was about six the first time I stood up for my sister Karina. We were at a costume party, and a boy about five years older than me called Karina stupid. I was so offended by his words that I pushed him off the top of the slide. Although the boy expressed repulsive and agonizing eyes, I did not care; no one messes with my sister. At the time, I was too young to understand that Karina had a disability. I thought she was like every other child in the world. What was so different about Karina?

When I was young, I did not understand Karina's disability. As I grew older, I began to comprehend that Karina was not like everyone else and would always need an extra hand. She embarrassed me. It bothered me how people would stare at her and then judge me because of how she was. It took a lot of maturity to come to realize that Karina was a gift. Not every person is blessed with such a special person in their life.

What hurts me the most is that people do not understand special needs children. These children have limitless love to give, and, when it is not reciprocated, it breaks my heart. They also have so many capabilities that are unknown to even the families. Recently, Karina learned how to ride a bicycle with only two wheels. She had ridden a bicycle with training wheels her entire life, and, since she is already eighteen she needed to learn. My parents and I kept convincing ourselves that she did not have the motor skills, strength, or balance to handle a two wheel bicycle. However, within twelve days, Karina learned how to ride a bike perfectly. When I saw her ride gracefully in a straight line, turn, and stop, it brought tears to my eyes. It made me think about all the other things that she could probably do. Karina enlightened me so much that day. I felt as if she were invincible.

Karina is my everything, and I can proudly say that she is the best thing that has ever happened to me. She has made me the humble, warm-hearted person that I am today. The inspiration that Karina has given me throughout the years is impossible to verbalize, and I would not trade it for anything in the world. Every memory that I have shared with Karina is one that she and I treasure in our hearts. I could not picture my life without her and any separation between us would devastate me. I have learned to accept that Karina will never have the independence that my family and I have always hoped for her, but no matter where life takes me I will make sure that Karina is with me every step of the way. Karina is not an ordinary sister; she is extraordinary!