Belle

I learned that Life wasn't fair at an early age. Being that sister of a girl with cerebral palsy, looking back on it, I should have realized it a lot earlier. But being a oblivious innocent toddler, I went around thinking everything was fair.

I was 4. Lizzy and I were enrolled in a music class. I love music, the way it fills a rooms, the way the sounds dance in my ear. My body always respond to the melody, with me dancing in my seat. I was in a white dress. I remember it so clearly, even 4 years later. My blond hair must have been shoulder length then, held back by a headband. That day, Lizzy's hair was down to her elbows. I wanted hair that long. To braid it, to wear a flower crown in it. I guess that was the real first time, but I didn't know it. This said music class, we were playing with toy instruments. The teacher went around with a box of them, and letting the kids pick out which one they wanted. In my mind, I had already selected the instrument I wanted, and small triangle. Finally, she reached me. I grabbed the triangle, remembering to mumble:

"Thanks" She smiled slightly at me. Sitting next to me was Lizzy. My mom sat with her, waiting to pick out an instrument since Lizzy couldn't. I didn't know about Lizzy's disability then, only that she was different. Not bad different, good different.

But the teacher walked right past.

Without even a second glance. My eyes on the teacher, something clicked in my brain. I was only four, but I know:

This was not fair. This is not right.

So, being a 4 year old, but knowing injustice, I stood up on my slowly thinning legs, and said,

"What about Lizzy?" I wanted my sister to have a fair chance.

These words were enough to teach me a important lesson. 

Life is not fair.

But oh how I wish it was.