The school year is almost upon us...in case it has escaped your attention. I always enjoyed this time of year growing up. Excitement over new clothes and new school supplies and just the anticipation of being back in the classroom--learning. I love learning--and learning comes easy for me.
This year, I am apprehensive about the start of school. There. I said it. I wouldn't use the word "dread"--no that's too strong. But there is another "D" word I've been dancing around.
Dyslexia.
See, while we don't have an actual diagnosis as yet, I have an increasing suspicion that one of my kids falls into this category. Not that it should surprise me. My dad, my brother, two of my nieces--they all have it. And now I'm faced with this possibility...and I feel ill-equipped, unprepared, apprehensive.
Please understand--I have no issues with the idea of Dyslexia. I don't see it as some horrible disease that must be cured. And dyslexics have plenty of good company throughout past and modern history--Albert Einstein...Steve Jobs...
No. What I wrestle with about this are more everyday issues. I find I am not as patient as I should be. And if you've ever spent time listening to a dyslexic read aloud--you will know whether patience is a virtue you possess. I find I am selfish with my time. Dyslexics need more time...for learning (every subject is affected!)...for independence....for reaching maturity. Dyslexia is hard work--for the dyslexic and everyone close to them. And I find that I am fearful of how this precious child will navigate situations apart from me. Will the Sunday School teacher call on them to read a Bible verse aloud? Will they be publicly embarrassed? Will other kids laugh and make fun? And how will that land? Are there a lot of teary sessions in my future--where I will need to help pick up the pieces and quell my own anger over the injustice of others--and maybe just a little bit of what feels like "injustice" that this child even has to struggle with this?
This. This is the reality of having a dyslexic child.
And yet, my child seems not to struggle with these issues. Yes, maybe decoding language presents a challenge--but they just soldier on, with a good attitude mind you. It's as if they just take this particular challenge as a natural part of life--their life. They never complain--and they don't (as yet) avoid all the situations that frustrate me or cause me fear. They don't dance around the "D" word...they dance with it.
So, maybe when I'm signing my kids up for their extra classes this year, I need to sign myself up, too.
For dancing lessons...
