kindness

"I love cerebral palsy. It makes me try harder and be kind. . . . If people read my book, I want them to smile. I want people to think, 'Ryan would help me if I needed it.' If they were in a wheelchair, I'd push it. If they couldn't get their food on their own, I'd get it. If they need help with their math homework or want me to sing at their birthday party, they should call me. I want to read [my book] at schools, so kids know it's okay to talk to their parents when they're scared and frustrated. Kids should know they can always be successful in their heart."


From an interview with Ryan D'Emidio, a 15-year-old memoirist with cerebral palsy. Read the entire interview at the Washington Post.