I want to bring to the attention of the people in this county and this great nation a group of extraordinary people that have the ability to show tremendous courage. I am writing about those that were either born with or developed a disability during their lifetime.

I personally have dealt with people that come from many walks of life, and with the disabilities that became of my own family, with a wife that suffered renal failure, due to a certain medication, a kidney transplant from my daughter, and later, subsequent death during a "simple" operation. I have a son who developed seizures due to an accident he had when he was young.

These are my personal stories, but many people can relate to what I have watched my family go through. These extraordinary people push on with their lives, not knowing what is in store for them from day to day. They persevere through the same troubles that "normal" people have to deal with, yet they manage to hold their heads high. There are times when they can be down, and they absolutely have that right to be, without being judged by those that are not dealing with a disability.

As a father who helps his son through his disability with seizures, it pains me to watch him suffer, especially when, at times he says, "Dad, I don't know if I have the strength to go on," and when he asks me if he is being "punished." It's hard to find the words to help him, but I know, in my heart, that he has the courage of a lion and he fits the mold of many of these individuals who are dealing with these setbacks.

Please remember those who are disabled and remember the strength and courage that it takes for them to survive, in today's day and age.

David Smith lives in Nice.

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