My name is Sadie Obana. I am 8 years old and from Tulsa, OK. I love to ride bikes, play soccer, and play with my friends. I also love to play games with my family. I have 1 brother and 3 older sisters. When everyone is home, we play lots of games and have a great time.

One difference that I have is that I was born without a left hand. A lot of people ask me what happened or say that it’s gross. It sometimes makes me feel bad when they say mean things because it makes me feel not special, but I know that I am. There are times that kids can be mean. One time I was walking to lunch and some girls were making fun of my little arm. I did not like it because they were mean and were not being people who lead by a good example. I know that I was born without a left hand and that IS what makes me special. It is what I like about me, and God made me that way, super special. I know that I am not the only one who is like this. When we see or meet someone else, we both are very happy to see someone who is ‘like’ me. I know that my difference makes me special, but I also know that there are a lot of other people that have differences that are harder for them.

I like to celebrate my difference by educating others and letting people know that it’s OK to be different. My mom calls it a ‘Diff-ability’ not a disability. I try to tell people that it’s ok to ask about my hand and you don’t have to stare or be afraid. You don’t have to be nervous when you educate someone, well you probably will be, but they will understand because they have probably gone through that before. I just want people to remember that its OK to be different and to most people it doesn’t matter how people look because inside they are just like you. If you want to ask about a difference, just be nice about it because if you are mean that can hurt feelings. Please remember that just because someone looks different it doesn’t mean they want to be excluded or left out.

With my little arm I have been asked to model adaptive clothes and shoes. I have also been in commercials and met all kinds of people that are all made different. I get to go to a limb difference sports camp where all the staff and kids are different. Some were born that way, and some have lost their arms or legs due to an accident or illness. When we are all together there are no differences, and we all get to have fun being ourselves.

So please remember if you ever see someone that is different it is ok! Just ask if you are curious and you might just end up making a new friend. Remember to celebrate your differences because that is what make us all different from each other.