I was shopping in the supermarket when I heard a young voice boom from across the aisle.
“Mom, come here! There’s this lady here my size!”
The mother rushed to a boy she called Mickey; then she turned to me to apologize.
I smiled and told her, “It’s okay.” Then I talked to the boy, “Hi, Mickey, I’m Darry Kramer. How are you?”
He studied me from head to toe, and asked, “Are you a little mommy?”
“Yes, I have a son.”I answered.
“Why are you so little?” he asked.
“. . . It is the way I was born. ” I said. “ Some people are little. Some are tall. I’m just not going to grow any bigger. ” After about five more minutes of answering questions, I shook Mickey’s hand, and say doodbye to them.
My life as a little person is filled with stories like that. I enjoy talking to children and explaining why I look different from their parents. It has taken many years to develop my confidence to be able to do that.
It takes only one glance to see my uniqueness. I stand three feet, nine inches tall. I was born an achondroplasia dwarf（侏儒）. Despite this, my parents encouraged me to do all the things the kids around me did when I was growing up. When my neighbors got two-wheel bikes, I got a two- wheel bike. When they roller-skated, I roller-skated. I didn’t realize how short I was until I started school. There, a few kids picked on me, calling me names. Then I knew. After that, I began to hate the first day of school each year. I didn’t know who was new and would stare at me as I struggled to climb the school bus stairs.
As time went on, I just tried to smile and accept the fact that I was going to be noticed my whole life. I was determined to make my uniqueness an advantage rather than a disadvantage. What I lacked in height, I made up for in personality.
I’m 47 now, and the stares have not diminished as I’ve grown older. People look in disbelief when they see me get out of my car off the driver’s side. During those times, I try to keep a good attitude. When people are rude, I remind myself, “Look what else I have—a great family. Nice friends. ”
And it’s the children’s questions that make my life special. When I talk with children, they leave content that their questions have been answered. My hope is that in taking time with them, I will encourage them to accept their peers whatever size and shape they come in, and treat them with respect.
81. How was the author brought up? （no more than 9 words）(2 marks)
82. Why does the author enjoy talking to children? （no more than 12 words）(3marks)
83. When did the author realize that she was short? （no more than 4 words）(2 marks)
84.Please use several words to describe the author’s personalities. (no more than 6 words(3marks)
