Maia

Maia

Henry Ford said “If you think you can do a thing or you think you can’t do a thing you’re right.” This goes right to the heart of mental attitude and the role it plays in a person’s life. I have blogged before about my special friend Maia. We met several years ago at a basketball game at the school where I use to teach. Maia, who was in elementary school at the time, has cerebral palsy and, in addition to the loss of motor control, is also unable to speak. She has not let any of that stop her. Maia can communicate very well through a combination of sign language, gestures, and mannerisms. All who know her are impressed by how she refuses to allow her disability to interfere with what she wants to do. Her drive and determination were on display again last week at a school track meet.

Maia, who is now in junior high school, decided she wanted to go out for the track team. Last week she ran her first race. It was the 100 yard dash. Maia did not win in the traditional sense, she came in sixth, but her strength, determination and refusal to give into her disability should be a lesson in inner courage for everyone. She was, is and will remain an inspiration to me.
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