VIEWPOINT: Don't take your independence for granted

Summer holiday has different meaning for South Dakota man, cartoonist with cerebral palsy

It was July 4, 1987.

In a little place called Ortonville, Minnesota, the smell of sparklers, poppers and various kid-friendly fireworks is mingling with hot dogs and hamburgers. Every so often, I catch a stray whiff of potato salad. The most disgusting thing on the face of the earth. I try to block that out and focus on the important things. Today is a big day. And I didn't know it just yet, but this day was going to change the lives of everyone gathered at the tiny, lakeside park. It was going to be a day filled with great joy. But first, there would be struggle, suffering and cries of defeat.

Sounds pretty good, doesn't it? This is the story, of my first steps.

One.

Two.

Keep counting. Stay steady. You can do it. Everyone's watching. Frantic thoughts race through my 5-year old mind. I'm trying, I'm trying so hard. My little body begins to pull to the left. I swing my right arm over to try and keep my balance. It's getting shaky. I know this feeling. I know it all too well. I try to pick up my right foot, and it drags through the grass.

Here it comes. This is it. I'm going to fall.

Weekly cartoon: Happy Independence Day