We don’t have to be like everyone else — or perfect.

My foster daughter, Amanda, wanted this character for her new baby girl. I didn’t do a very good job with it.

Well, it sucks.

If you read Needful Things by Steven King, you know Polly. I have Polly’s hands. I’ve struggled since childhood. When they first started bending, Dr. Bickley showed me how to tape and splint them.

I discovered ways to use my hands even when they’re flaring badly.

The desire to be useful to my community and especially my loved ones, is motivating.

We admire excellence. I sure do.

There is no way I can be excellent, but, each movement of my fingers says I Love You.

We don’t have to be like everyone else. What we create does not have to be perfect.

For Trudy Van Buskirk and my friend Stacey Lynn Klug.