Nekia McCloud was an energetic, happy 4-year-old. The blast nearly killed the girl. She had brain damage from a skull fracture, multiple cuts and burns, ruptured eardrums and broken leg. But she survived.
"It is a miracle. She's a miracle," Laverne McCloud said.
Nekia's brain injuries were so severe she had to relearn everything from an infant stage.
Today, she still has learning disabilities but seems the average teenager. She loves pop music -- especially Bow Wow and Romeo -- bowling and shopping.
Nekia thinks she wants to be a teacher someday so that she can help others.
Nekia has no memories of the explosion or the hospital stay.
"I think it's a good thing she doesn't remember," Laverne McCloud said.
Over the last decade, the McClouds did not stay in touch with other survivors, preferring instead to concentrate on Nekia's recovery.
"We've tried to focus on getting her well and living as normally as we could," McCloud said.
Nekia has two siblings, 19-year-old sister Shari and brother Terrell, 23.
Terrell McCloud recently returned home after serving a year in Iraq with the Army.
McCloud said she worried during his absence that she might face losing another child. But the strength she gained caring for Nekia fortified her, as did support from her church.
Nekia said she never thinks about the bombing or the stories she's been told.
One day, her mother will show her a box of cards and letters sent to the family from well-wishers around the world.
But today, she's working on being an average kid.
