An Essay On Preston-By Alec Capparelli

Alec Capparelli has just turned 15.  The Capparelli family are the first people we met when we moved into this neighborhood. Alec met Preston when we moved in and has watched him grow.  A few months ago he had to write about a person that inspires him.  Alec picked Preston.  I am so honored and cry every time I read what he wrote. Through the eyes of a high school freshman, I share his views on Preston

Being a little person doesn’t mean you’re less of one. If you know one they each have their own personalities that’s different from everyone else.  Personally the little person I know is very funny.  Preston is a courageous person because of the big things he does despite his size, how he doesn’t need help expressing himself and how he doesn’t let his condition bother him.

Even though he’s small I know he can do big things.  He is 5 but he talks like he’s 10.  He has such a vocabulary.  I know from personal experiences.  He does things his way and doesn’t like it when you tell him to do it differently. He loves to build things with Lego or things that have to do with trains.  He can get up on to chairs, couches and go up and down stairs fine.  I’ve seen him do it many times.  He has no trouble keeping up with you or finding you.

One thing he doesn’t need help with is expressing himself.  He is very funny in the things he does.  When I see him he is always laughing about something.  He doesn’t have trouble speaking his mind.  When he talks he always uses his hands in some way.  If he doesn’t like something he’ll tell you.  He always wants to be doing something different than he did a day ago.

He doesn’t even act like he has dwarfism.  He does things kids his age should do.  He like has lots of friends just like him.  I think he actually does some things that other kids his age can’t do.  He goes on trips with his mom and they meet up with other families that have kids with dwarfism.

Big things sometimes come in very small packages in his case.  Expression is one of his strongest qualities.  He acts like he isn’t dwarfed at all.  Doesn’t matter if you’re big or small, you’re a person either way.

Just beautiful.  Thank you Alec.  Preston adores you so much.  And Alec is right-here is the dude with his soccer trophy after scoring four goals with one assist in his last game of the season.  We can’t wait until fall soccer!