Yes, I am handicapped. No, I'm not embarrassed to be handicapped. God made me like this but as I grew up I built a big blue balloon around myself. It keeps me safe. People can't reach in and hurt me. I can let people in but don't too much. Here though, I'm letting anyone who wants to read this into my balloon. You can all know Mary Anne Benavidez. What I tell you about myself, I am all of that and more. I've got lots of things inside me. I want to share them. I am understanding, patient and a good listener. I don't cover up my feelings. I am like a jackass. When you tell a jackass to move do you think it will move? NO. When you leave a jackass alone it moves but not if you try to push it. That's me! Pay attention. Don't be negative. Look in me. You'll find out about yourself.
The proceeds of this book will go to St. Judes Children's Hospital.