Creating Connections, Reed Cranford

Reed Cranford catches a birthday fish on the South River in February 2018

I was born with small patella syndrome (SPS) which means my kneecap is small. I also have three fingers on my left hand. Actually, the left side of my body is different from my right side. My left leg is smaller, and my left arm is shorter. When I was eleven years-old, I had surgeries on my left knee and ankle. 

The difference in the left side of my body hasn't really slowed me down. Since I never had five fingers on my left hand, I never missed them. Most people don't notice the difference in my body until I mention it. 

Growing up, I played a lot of baseball and caught with my left hand. For my batting gloves, I always removed two fingers and sewed up the glove to fit my hand. 

When I was younger, I got picked on for being different. One time, a kid called me "ET," which used to upset me. But then I realized I could have fun with it. Having eight fingers got me out of typing class in high school, and April ended up typing my papers in college.

Sometimes, I’ve tried to use my hand as an excuse for certain tasks, but April still makes me do them anyway.

My limb difference has never really bothered me because this is how God made me. I may be different, but I’m still me.