In my own journey through life
There are times I experience strife
God daily gives strength to cope
He alone is the source of my hope
I was born seven weeks premature
God had a plan for my life for sure
It was a miracle that I even survived
Parents waited years for me to arrive
So tiny, I developed at a slower pace
Yet protected by His mercy and grace
Learning and coordination skills delayed
God was with me each step of the way
Just before reaching the age of thirteen
Through my junior high physical screen
It was found I had curvature of the spine
Wore a back brace until grown over time
Adjusting was not easy from riding in a car
To getting comfortable while sleeping by far
Wore a mouth guard for teeth braces at night
Small pillow helped to bring relief in sight
Brace was made of hard plastic and metal
Going from my chin down to my hips overall
Wearing an undershirt protected the skin
As I grew, new brace had to be made again
Brace kept my curve stabilized as I grew
But several years ago, it has progressed too
Discovered from neck arthritis and strain
Led to monitoring in five year evaluations
Over seven years ago, I barely had a voice
Doctors and tests could not reveal the cause
Surgery helped but limitations still remain
Varied voice projection I cannot explain
Through poetry, God has given me a mission
Encourage and reach others with compassion
My trials and suffering cannot be compared
With what people daily endure everywhere
