The Gift of Fire (12 page)

Playing outside Shriners Hospital.

With my mom and constant companion, Marilyn.

Out whale watching while on a day pass from Shriners Hospital for Children in Boston.

Celebrating my fi fth birthday at Shriners Hospital, a few days after one of my surgeries.

Enjoying Christmas with my two older brothers, Johnny (on my shoulder) and Scott, 1983.

With my good pals Pluto and Dumbo, 1985.

An early passport photo.

Dressing up as Rambo for Halloween, 1985.

After yet another of my countless reconstructive surgeries at Shriners Hospital, 1986.

On a road trip with my big brothers, Johnny (left) and Scott.

In the classroom at age ten. Although I’d mastered the art of writing without fingers, it would take another two years before I could tie my own shoelaces.
(Photo by Susan Poag, © 2009 The Times-Picayune Publishing Co., all rights reserved. Used with permission of
The Times-Picayune
.)

The “big game”! Squaring off against an opponent on the basketball court.
(Photo by Susan Poag, © 2009 The Times-Picayune Publishing Co., all rights reserved. Used with permission of
The Times-Picayune
.)