her son.

However, Sammy was not to be convinced and remained solidly seated on the carpeted floor.

"Aha! I caught you in the act!'' a voice behind Levette suddenly exclaimed.

She abruptly turned to face Michael, her husband of five years. Smiling sheepishly, Levette lifted Sammy onto the sofa.

"You know Dr. Ball said not to rush him and that he'll walk when his body is ready,'' Michael reminder her.

"I couldn't help myself,'' replied Levette softly, gently stroking Sammy's head.

The past three years had been a difficult period for Michael and Levette.

Sammy had been born with a weak spine. Although Sammy was already three, he was still unable to walk. His paediatrician had said he would walk when ready.

However, this provided little comfort for Micheal and Levette.

The next day, one of Levette's friends stopped at their house for an unexpected visit. Christine had bought her two-year-old daughter with her.

After an hour, Levette looked at their two children playing in the living room. Ellen circled the room pulling a toy duck happily, while her own son remained seated, watching Ellen wistfully.

Closing her eyes briefly, a wave of emotion swept through Levette, causing her to imagine Sammy running about like Ellen.

As the days passed, Sammy showed no sign of even standing. Levette and Michael tried to be supportive parents although they grew very frustrated. Sammy couldn't attend a nursery, therefore Levette remained at home with him.

While Levette read Sammy a story one morning, the phone rang, forcing her to leave Sammy on the couch. Minutes later, Sammy became bored and rolled over in an attempt to reach one of his toys. Unbalancing himself, he tumbled off the couch and onto the floor, hitting his head on a nearby table.

Two hours had passed. Michael and Levette were speaking to Dr. Ball at the local hospital.

"Sammy is going to be all right although he has a minor concussion. He hit his back rather severely during the fall. I'm afraid that the chances of him ever walking are very slim,'' the doctor informed them gravely.

Michael and Levette stared at the doctor in disbelief, feeling as if all hope was now lost.

Four weeks later, Levette and Michael sat on the floor watching television.

Sammy, now back to his normal self, sat between them. Feeling a little neglected, he suddenly pushed himself up onto his feet, propelled by determination. He then took a tentative step forward to tug his father's beard and then fell onto his bottom giggling.

As Levette watched this scene, her eyes filled with tears. Michael hugged Sammy and said happily, "This is really something to celebrate!'' CHANTELLE SIMMONS Age -- 15 School -- Warwick Academy.