Grace Leung
9/14/10
English Questions
1. What is Cerebral Palsy caused by?
2. What is the most severe type of Cerebral Palsy?
3. Is there a way Cerebral Palsy can be stopped?
http://www.burke-eisner.com/practice-areas/medical-malpractice/cerebral-palsy.html
Grace Leung
Mrs. Zurkowski
Section: Yellows
9/14/10
Book: Accidents of Nature by Harriet McBryde Johnson
Topic: Disability & self esteem
Search Terms:
1. “disability”
2. “disabled teenagers”
3. “self esteem”
4. “Mental Disease”
5. “Mental Disorder”
6. “Teenage Diseases”
7. “cerebral palsy”
In Accidents of Nature, author Harriet McBryde Johnson realistically shares the daily challenges teenagers face with cerebral palsy as they struggle with self esteem and fitting in. According to the Nemours Foundation’s TeensHealth (http://kidshealth.org/), more than 500,000 people in the USA have cerebral palsy (CP). The disorder usually develops at birth or before, but can also occur from a brain damage experience after birth. CP affects one’s ability to coordinate body movements, and can create problems in walking and eating. CP affects each person differently. Because doctors are still unsure what causes CP, a cure has not been found. As teens with CP face the same emotional and social challenges as those without the disorder, I agree that teenagers need to encourage each other with courtesy and respect- helping out if someone needs extra help. In the end, we are each made in God’s image, and we are called to serve others in His name.
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Image from: http://www.news4jax.com/news/23950379/detail.html
Dear Jean,
As a fellow observer and introvert, your story was especially powerful as it gave me a true insight into what it is like to have a disease like cerebral palsy and how you dealt with life. I admired the way you were the quiet observer in the book, yet showed your strength in your beliefs and convictions. When Sarah tried to make you think you were crippled, you stood your ground and never gave into her thoughts on being a victim. Out of all the characters, you inspired me most because I could relate to where you were coming from.
I would definitely describe Harriet-McBryde-Johnson’s writing as realistic because she also has cerebral palsy and was able to accurately describe your life in detail. She did a wonderful job creating real emotions in all of the characters. An example quote from Sarah about her attitude is “Walkie Talkies. Campers who can walk and talk and look like Norms. Diabetics, epileptics, crazies, whatever. Some of them are more messed up than we are. Eventually it always becomes clear they want to belong, you know.”(p21) McBryde-Johnson took a difficult subject and made it easy to read because it was in the style of a journal or diary. She was descriptive and clear on what was happening throughout the book.
In the end of the book in the letter Sarah writes to Joey, she did not mention what you and the other characters do after leaving the camp. I would really like to know what happened to everyone. I also wanted to know how your love life went because during the book you wrote about what it would be like to have a boyfriend.
Your story helped me appreciate all that you and others with disease face each day. I realize now that not everyone wishes they had a normal body, and that many are content with what God gives them. I will try to remember this lesson always because I often find myself wishing for what I do not have. Today’s culture pushes girls to want to be perfect with their bodies, and this book will help many girls to realize that they should be thankful for what they have.
I know you are probably off living your life to the fullest right now, but I really appreciated how you opened up in the book. Thank you for sharing your deepest thoughts, from one introvert to another. I hope this letter is able to reach you and finds you living the life you always wanted.
Sincerely,
Grace Leung
My Unique Profile
If asked what makes me unique, there would be a number of things that I would share depending on who I was talking to. It is all about perspective. To those who live in town, I come from a 70 acre farm in Monkton that has horses, dogs, cats, and over 100 fish. Each day I help out with taking care of my animals, including mucking stalls. To the avid Raven fans, I have to admit that I am one of a few Colts fans left in the area. I think Peyton Manning is an amazing quarterback who shares his faith in God on the field and off the field. To my teachers, I have always been an American history lover. My British great grandfather is 95 and a prisoner of war survivor who continues to write and paint. Outside of school, I enjoy listening to music and one of my favorite bands is Switchfoot. I also enjoy reading my favorite author, Agatha Christe. My family is important to me and is made up of my Mom, Dad and brother. In all, I am really excited about my freshman year, and want to continue growing in my faith as a Christian, and find out what I want to do in life.
The Book:
1. In the Accidents of Nature, the main character is Jean who is determined, observant, and introverted. Jean has cerebral palsy, but does not let it bring her down or prevent trying to live a normal life. She is determined to carry on in life. Jean is aware of her surroundings and always knows what is going on with the people around her. The fact that Jean is quiet allows her to observe and remain true to her beliefs, even when others do not agree.
2. In the beginning of Accidents of Nature, the protagonist Jean struggles with leaving her family and accepting that she is not “normal.” The middle or climax of the story involves Jean discovering that having a disease can be difficult and makes living a normal life almost impossible. The conclusion is uplifting and reveals that Jean accepts who she is, and also realizes that she has much to be thankful for- her family and the love they have given her.
3. Harriet McBryde Johnson attempted to show the reader that no matter what kind of life one is dealt, they should be thankful for the gift of life.
The Issues:
1. Jean and two friends, Sarah and Willie, each struggle with the concept of being normal. Jean is determined to function normally, even at a camp for disabled kids, and denies her disability. Sarah is proud of being crippled and accepts her disability with ease. Willie handles his severe deformity with humor.
2. Harriet McBryde Johnson uses the personal hardships of kids with disabilities to show the reader that it is truly challenging to be disabled and being “normal” is not easy. Johnson uses the intimate details of daily existence to make the issue of normality real. She describes the basic need of using the bathroom with the necessity of having another there to help. She also describes the need for assistance in eating and many other activities. By the end of the book, one is left feeling sympathetic for those with disabilities and thankful for all that one has.
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