I swallowed hard with pride and humility as I watched Jordan laboriously type out the letters to my name on his computer-ized communication device.

It took a huge amount of energy and great effort for the young boy with cerebral palsy to ask me a simple question, "Do you want to hang out with me?" The computerized voice repeated it and Jordan stiffly tossed his head back and gazed in my direction.

I almost felt guilty for answering him so quickly because then it would be his turn to respond and he would have to again tighten his fist around the thick plastic stick that he held to press the keys on the device. He jerked his body and gripped the stick staring intently at the glowing keyboard.

I wondered if his exertion was worth the conversation. I soon learned that he didn't care how hard he had to work as long as he could communicate.

Born with cerebral palsy, Jordan has undergone intensive therapies, multiple operations, and specific instruction from leading specialists. And although all of these interventions have been necessary and have improved his quality of life, Jordan still is not able to walk, talk or care for his own basic needs.

I have known Jordan since he was 4 years old and even then, he displayed a certain tenacity that could not be ignored. As a young teacher beginning my teaching career, I was intrigued with this child who knew how to capture everyone's heart with his smile.

Completely dependent on someone else to care for him, Jordan continues to amaze and impress me with what he is capable of doing. Not only has he learned to operate a motorized chair and participates with cooking by using switches, but he begins writing his annual Christmas card to his family and friends in early November, independently formulating the sentences and typing each and every letter.

His dedication to his favorite radio station is overwhelming as he listens daily and requests regular visits with the personalities at WPAQ. Although he is not able to clap to the bluegrass beat, he knows the names of the songs and can communicate his favorite tunes.

Through his many painful operations and issues with eating, Jordan never hesitates to laugh out loud when he's heard a good joke.

He has accepted the fact that he'll never drive a car, but that doesn't stop him from enjoying a "ride with the guys" in a pickup truck. As a teacher for students with disabilities, I continue to be inspired by Jordan's abilities. In so many ways, he seems powerless, yet his encouraging attitude, determined spirit, eagerness to learn, and sense of humor are lessons for all of us.

Many of us have healthy bodies and minds... but do we use them to the best of our ability?