My mother named me Robin, after the bird. And maybe that is the reason I love birds. Birds are so free. My braces and crutches make it harder for me to move about. When I watch birds fly, I can pretend to be free like them. Of course, robins are my favorite to watch. My favorite time of year is springtime. That's when the robins come back to my yard. They make me happy. I know that the world is full of new life and hope when they return after the long winter.

There are times in my life, I think, that are sort of like small winters; times when my body aches, or when I am teased, and not included in the activities of other children. Then I feel sad, left out, and lonely: these are small winters in my life. Fortunately, most people are usually nice. When I am treated like the other children and my differences are not the focus of attention, I am filled with hope, warmth, and security. That is very much the same sort of feeling I have when spring arrives and robins come back to my yard.