by Crystal Shimo

Created on: July 22, 2009

It had already been a difficult year. The lump on my leg had been growing faster within the last three months or so and it was difficult for me to walk properly because of it. I had already been to three doctors who did nothing but poke me with humongous needles, insisting that what-ever it was that was growing inside my knee was just fluid that could be drained Each time they poked at it, the lump would just hurt more. The poking needles seemed to make the lump move under my knee cap.

After seven months of doctors and torture by needles, mom told me that we were going to go on vacation. From New London, Connecticut we were traveling to see my grandparents in Missouri. After seven months of boredom, and doctors, I needed to have some fun. I was, after all, only ten years old.
It was the first time that I had to fly in an airplane that I could remember and I was excited. The movies that I watched with airplanes had peanuts, trays that flipped over onto your lap from the seat in front of you. And all of the ladies in the blue suits were real nice in the movies and handed out candy to all the children. There would be puzzles and games, I couldn't wait.
Dad still had to work, so it was just going to be Mom and myself going to my grandparents. Dad took us to the airport, giving both of us hugs that lasted a while. Everything after that seemed to be a blur. Mom led us through the crowded airport, going slower than she would have liked thanks to my abnormal knee. After pushing and shoving our way to the other side of the airport, my mother gave the two little booklets that had our airplane tickets to the lady behind the counter. Giving them back to my mother, the lady pointed toward a tunnel and mom led me where she was directed.
By this time, my knee was swollen and I was half dragging it behind me, depending on my mother not to let me go, because if she did, I would definitely fall and not be able to get back up. All I wanted to do was sit down, cover up, and cry myself to sleep. So far, the trip I so looked forward to was not very fun at all. After what seemed like a very long walk down the tunnel, we finally made it to the airplane. The lady in the blue and white suit said something to my mother and I was led to a seat not far from where we came out of the tunnel.
Someone came by and gave mom a glass of water and a little packet, which she opened and gave me the contents of. Giving me the glass of water, she told me to take the

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