David McElhinny

Gerald's Journal David McElhinny

Monday, September 18



In the morning time as the buses came in everybody was talking about what they did that weekend. As usual I sat at my desk working on the handwriting worksheets that Mrs. Baker gave me. I learned a long time ago when I was just a little kid that I have to work harder on some things than the other students.



Z in cursive is really hard to do and it looks strange to me.



Steven was walking around handing out invitations to his birthday party to all of the boys in the class. Bobby was really excited because Steven said the party was at a club in the country that his family belongs to and there is an indoor pool with a slide. Mitchell said he has been there before and that it is really fun. Even Jimmy got invited and he is a bad boy.



I did not get invited. I know I am different in some ways, but really, I like all the same things as the other boys too. I love pizza, ice cream, swimming and recess, just like everybody else.



I pretended that I did not hear them talking about it. I wish I could go. It sounds like it will be fun.



Gerald is just like every other kid. Yet he's different . . . and he has a little trouble fitting in because of his disability. Over time, his traits of kindness, compassion and honesty pair with his great sense of humor, and his differences disappear behind his delightful personality. Gerald is truly the kind of hero we should all aspire to be.