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Rhiannon had dreams of making a difference in other peoples' lives. She wanted to be a voice for people who were disabled and truly believed that everyone could have a regular life if they wanted it badly enough. She was taken from us far too young, far too soon, but I know in my heart that everyone who knew Rhiannon was touched by her loving spirit. She just had that effect on people. In these pages, I hope to give you a look at who she was and what she means to me. Perhaps her story may inspire you.. She always said, "People first then disabled." Her dedication and compassion to people with disabilities was something I could never understand. Instead of embracing my disability like she did, I would merely compensate and strive to be as "normal" as possible. In her case, she felt like she needed to surround herself with those like her. I think this stems directly from being teased at school. Her future career was one of the most important things to her. I know she would have been a great counselor or clinical psychologist. It upsets me that she was unable to fulfill that dream. It's not in my power to become what she wanted to be. I don't have enough of that drive, but I plan on doing something just as valuable. One of these days, I'm going to write a book and dedicate it to her. I want people--especially children--to know who she was. Her death has taken a heavy toll on me. I find myself searching for my identity and striving to find a new "normal." In these pages, I hope to gain some comfort and to help myself remember all the good times we had together. Click here to listen to Rhiannon's voice.