broken spirit, broken bones

autobiography including thirteen surgeries and eleven brothers and sisters.

                                  BROKEN SPIRIT, BROKEN BONES

                                                  PROLOGUE



    This shall be my story.  I am now 58 years old and have endured thirteen major surgeries in my life, including seven on my left elbow alone.  I am the only one of twelve children born with birth defects including cleft palate, deviated septum, and  hammer toes on both feet.  My childhood in Chicago was spent with eye therapy for my crossed eyes and wear caps on my teeth because of calcium deficiency.