My "Crazy Legs"

If you would have told me three years ago that I would be best friends with a Puerto Rican with cerebral palsy from Queens, New York, I probably would have laughed in your face.

In June of 2011, just 17 after I graduated high school my eyes would be opened. Coming from a mostly white community, my world was about to be completely flipped around. I moved out to a camp in Maryland for 8 weeks with my family and there I met people of every race, from every culture, religion, etc. There was a 16 year old working at camp that summer that was given the nickname, "Crazy Legs" because he has cerebral palsy. At first I was taken back by this situation. Isn't his nickname just making fun of him? He would also tell the people he worked with pretend stories of why his legs were the way they were. During the 8 weeks I spent in Maryland, I didn't really get to know him. It was almost like I didn't understand his logic on his nickname or his situation. 

Exactly one year later, my family and I went back to Maryland to spend another 8 weeks there. This time I was in Maryland I spend time with him and two others that both lived on opposite sides of the United States. We would go get Rita's, have deep chats about life, and just laugh with each other.

These 8 weeks in 2012 changed my life forever. I learned that he doesn't let his cerebral palsy keep him from anything. Whether it is playing on a slip and slide with 50 six and seven year olds or going sailboating around the Chesapeake Bay, he didn't let his cerebral palsy to keep him back.  I think in the two years that him and I have been friends he has taught me way more than I could have ever imagined. First, he taught me that you should never judge a book by it's cover. Second, he taught me that no matter how God made you, that's the way he wanted you. Third, he helped me to understand that we all have flaws and the minute you are able to accept your flaws, they aren't flaws anymore. They are the things that make you who you are today. Lastly, he has shown me what an amazing friendship looks like. Whether it is five in the morning or six in the afternoon, I know that he will always be there. 

I couldn't imagine my life without "Crazy Legs." Whether I need someone to talk to about what happened last night on 'How I Met Your Mother' or discuss where I need prayer in my life, he is always there. If you don't have a "Crazy Legs" in your life, I highly suggest finding one. They are keepers.