There is absolutely nothing simple about my son. In fact, he just gets more complicated with each year. I have always known that my son was very intelligent, but now I have proof. I have always known that there was a disconnect somewhere, somehow, but now I have proof. I have always believed that my son will do amazing things, and I still believe that.
My son has a superior IQ and he also has an attention deficit disorder and dyslexia. I am not ashamed to say this. These labels will not stop my son. No, in fact, the knowledge of these things will only enhance his curiosity, his passions, his abilities, his creativity and his compassions.
Starting in September, he will begin to learn how to decode the written words that have eluded him, harness the power of his thoughts and words and train his mind in a new way. He is excited and nervous and absolute and unsure and every emotion in between…as am I.
My son does not learn as others do, nor will he ever see the world quite like other people. This is not a disadvantage. My son has the capacity to know things far beyond his years and loves to talk and talk with adults and yet some of the tasks that come so easily or even with hard work and focus to others in his class are so difficult for him.
We must adjust our scale, measuring the inches of progression, rather than the feet when it comes to reading and spelling and writing.
It's ironic that it's the written words that don't make sense to his brain, when it is words that he dearly loves; that is, spoken words, from the time of his infancy and written words read aloud to him by others and words dictated by him to others, telling the stories created in his head.
As his mother, it matters not and it matters a great deal that he has these extra abilities. It matters not because he is still the same son I have always known was different from the other kids and have always loved. And I will love him and support him and argue with him and be with him always, regardless of anything. It matters a great deal to me because I know the struggles he has been through and the struggles he will encounter in the future because of these extra abilities.
My son is a fighter. He doesn't always know it, but he is. He has come so far in his 7.5 years, and I am so proud of him. I also know the best is yet to come. So, we will cheer on every quarter of an inch, every inch, every foot and every yard gained.
{Please note that I do not use the word "disability" and I would use it with great caution, considering the synonyms for that word are frailty, infirmity, incapacity, debility and NONE of these terms describe my son. Instead, we will view his superior IQ, dyslexia and attention deficit disorder as gifts that help him to embrace his own ideas and create his own path and propel him farther.
I acknowledge we have not been on and will not be on an easy path as we maneuver through this unknown terrain and gather our bearings, but there is nothing shameful or embarrassing about these revelations. On the contrary, a burden has been lifted by these answers to our lingering questions.}
{This photo. His brother took it. They were goofing around with my phone, taking photos with various tones and poses. I like this photo because he is wearing his serious, contemplative look. He wears this look often as he mulls over an idea or a problem or listens to a book being read. And I have no idea what he was doing with his hands.}
Over and out…
Anna
Beautifully written, Anna! Love it and love this picture of C, it is beautiful! I love, love, love him!
Posted by: pb | Friday, May 09, 2014 at 12:00 PM