Living with disabilities, outliving expectations.

• Author: Laub, Nick
• Position: Voices

Last January, I turned 18. This is a milestone age for most kids, but it is especially important to me because I was not supposed to live very long.

I was born with several diseases that affect my muscles, bones, and joints. Around my first birthday, doctors told my parents that they were lucky to have had me for that long. Then, the doctors predicted that I'd live to be 2 years old.

But time went on, and so did I. Now they don't try to guess how long I'll live.

I walked for a brief time, but now I'm wheelchair-bound. Over the years, I've developed additional problems, and in 1998 my right foot was amputated. I can't feed myself, bathe myself, go to the bathroom on my own, or sit in a chair without help. My neurological disease is progressive, meaning it keeps getting worse, and periodically I have strokes. Some people in my situation might feel like life is unfair, but I feel lucky to be alive. I am fortunate to have God and great doctors who care about me.

Even though my body doesn't work very well, my brain works just fine. I graduated from high school in June. I had an aide who went with me to each class because my motor controls do not give me the ability to write or do anything that requires hand coordination. School stimulated my brain and kept me thinking and active. I had many good friends at school, including teachers and staff.

Most important of all to me is my family--my parents and my two older sisters. They've been there for me through everything. They've done what they could to give me a normal...