“I can move my legs a little,” I said to my mother, lying in a hospitle bed recovering from the latest surgery on my legs.

“I know baby, but you have to move them more to walk,” she said as she patted my hair.

I didn’t completely understand what had happened to me, a stroke had affected my motor skills and robbed my ability to walk. My day of running and jumping, like a normal kid, were over. All I knew was that I couldn’t walk, and I wanted it back.

The next day, being wheeled into therapy, I was determined to work on getting my legs stonger. I’d had enough of being pushed around, feeling helpless. It was time for me to start being a normal kid again.

“Nurse Betty,” I said, as clearly and sturnly as I could, “I want to learn how to walk!” I’m tired of being pushed around.”

“We have to build up the strength in your legs first,” she said, trying to sound as encouraging as she can. “Your legs have to hold you up.”

My determination turned to frustration. I figured the best way to strengthen my legs was to walk.

“Nurse Betty is just looking out for you,” my mother said looking at me with protective eyes. “She doesn’t want you to hurt yourself righ now.”

Mom wheeled me back to my room in time for a visit from one of the doctors. Every day a different doctor came to see me. Some days it was two or three doctors at a time. It seemed like the hospital’s whole faculty was intrested in how I was doing. They all listened to my heart and asked me how I was feeling.

“Dr. Howard,” I said as the doctor finished listening to my heart. “When can I start to learn how to walk?”

Dr. Howard’s eyes got real big and he smiled ear to ear. He stood up and walked over to my mother.

“What do you think? Is he ready to start using his legs?” He asked, standing in front of her with his hands on his hips.

“He asked me that last night,” mom said, sitting on a chair with her arms folded and a concerned look on he face.

Dr. Howard faced us both. “It sounds he’s ready and determined to learn.”

I couldn’t contain my excitement, and raised my arms over my head like I had been victorious. “Can I start now?”