Senior Celebrations 9 of 9 part series

 Groundhog Day, again. But this time I wasn’t dreading it because I thought it’d be a tough year – but because my little boy, the kid that made me a mom and taught me so much about myself, was about to enter his senior year of high school. And I’m dreading the day that he grows up and moves out. The one positive from this nightmare we had been living is that it has brought us very close. He’s been my hiking buddy, lunch buddy, grocery shopping buddy…. He’s just always there.

He’s continuing his tutoring at the library. He has a very light schedule: OG, math, independent health, shop class and independent gym. Second semester will be even lighter. OG. That’s it!

One important thing to understand is the gap that being identified as a dyslexic learner so late in life can leave. For example, when he was identified in 8th grade, he was reading at a 5th grade level. That means he was 3 years behind. Now as a 12th grader, he is reading at a 10th grade level, which means he is still 2 years behind. Put that all together and that means in the 4 years since he has been receiving intensive remediation, he’s closed only one year of that gap. And not for lack of trying – this kid has been working incredibly hard. Harder than most adult’s work. His resilience and motivation are admirable.

In summary, this kid has been knocked down more times than most adults. And he NEVER gave up. Buddy, I am beyond proud of the young man you’ve become. You have taught me that advocacy is in my blood. You have forced me out of my own comfort zone and inspired me to take courses on dyslexia and advocacy which led me to start my own LLC. I am now a proud member of Right to Read Advocacy, working hard to help that desperate parent I once was. You are an amazing young man with a very bright future ahead of you. I couldn’t be happier.

To his special education coordinator, OG tutor, high school shop teachers, middle school guidance counselor and reading academy teachers: THANK YOU! Thank you for believing in him and lifting him up when he was down. And of course, a very, very special thanks to his special education coordinator for dealing with all of my emails and phone calls. We would never be here without your continued support. You are one of a kind.

To my bestie, never in a million years would I have been able to deal with this without having you by my side. You always had this sense of calmness with every crying phone call. And you always loved my son as if he were your own.

To my mom and dad who did everything you could to support us when we needed it. And of course for loving him unconditionally.

To his best friend and fishing buddy, you too are an amazing young man, and I am so thankful for you. Thank you for always allowing him to lean on you and just being there when his world was falling apart.

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