Salman Rushdie once wrote, "Books choose their authors, the act of creation is not entirely a rational and conscious one." In my case, I must agree with this whole heartedly. I don't sit down and decide what to write. Thoughts ran around feely in my mind and I just let them pour out onto paper. For as long as I can remember I have had a head full of thoughts and beautiful pictures, but I wasn't able to get them down on paper until I was eight years old. I began using a computer keyboard to communicate with the world. It was such a thrill to watch my thoughts take shape and my pictures come to life. It was an amazing feeling to finally be able to give of myself to others in the form of stories and poems.

Being autistic and non-verbal made it very difficult to express myself through early childhood, but in kindergarten I was given a wonderful gift, an assistant, who through the years has turned out to be an amazing mentor and friend. With support from Janet, my assistant, I have been able to fulfill a wonderful dream and share my writing with so many people who have always encouraged me to be the best I can be.

If I could only get one point across to everyone who reads my book, it would be that everyone has fears, but never let them stop you from living out your dreams. Whether you're handicapped or "normal" you have dreams and aspirations for your life, don't let anyone take those away from you. Live your life to the fullest and be happy.

• ‹ Linda Lumbard, Jenna's mother
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