The Present By Amelia S

Bang, bang, bang! The basketball bounces on the court as the match goes on. I watch wanting to rush onto the court and score a goal but I can’t. I really want to but I can’t. My team, Boomers score a goal. They’re winning! Finally the match ends and Boomers win. I pick up my crutches and leave quietly with my mum.

Hhh… I look out of the car window thinking how happy I was before. I could play basketball, I could play netball, I could play soccer. Now I can’t play anything. I can’t run anymore, in fact I can’t even walk without help. Surely there is something that can help me. As soon as we get home mum reminds me about my hospital appointment tomorrow, I GROAN! Nothing new, always appointments and appointments and more appointments! I’m sick of this! I struggle up the stairs and throw myself on my bed. Why does life have to be so miserable?

The next morning mum pops her head in the door and can tell that I don’t want to go to my appointment today. She says, “Look at the bright side you get to go outside.” Why doesn't Mum understand what it feels like to not be normal? I didn’t sleep in the car this time, I don’t know why. Finally we get to the hospital. We line up and say we have an appointment for me, and have a seat. We wait and wait and wait. Meanwhile mum looks at a mechanical leg ang points to it. Wait… was she saying for me to have one? Wow! I never ever dreamt about having one. If I get one I can play basketball again! I agree so we do it.

Months later after more appointments and measurements the day finally comes. This feels weird. I’m as slow as a snail. I walk towards my mum, I did it! I walk even further this time, but faster. I walk faster and faster and faster! I’m running, this is a miracle! The doctor just tightens my leg strap and I do a few more tests. I’m good to go! I skip with joy to the car, I jump in the front this time. As soon as we get home I sprint faster than Usain Bolt to the garage. I search for the only thing that can make me - me again. I throw everything on the floor. I’m just about to throw something - and there it is. My fantastic, round, orange basketball. I rush out and stare at the hoop. I practice my dribbling, leg movement and shooting. I can play basketball again!!!

A stream of happiness gushes through my body. This is definitely the favourite day of my life. I’m FINALLY playing with my basketball team! My mum and dad are cheering for me. Suddenly I get the ball and I shoot… we win! This is the best match I’ve ever played.

My life now is full of joy, happiness and excitement all thanks to a mechanical leg.