Sometimes it feels like yesterday. Sometimes it feels like a lifetime ago. Interesting that “feels” comes into play here. I prefer facts. Head knowledge is easier for me and has really directed “feels.” This is all different.
My husband and I knew something wasn’t right. Many tried to make us feel better along the way. But we knew, we knew…we just didn’t quite know what.
It was March. In a conference room. Dyslexia. We really DID know it, because we had loved him for 9 years. We were there with first syllables, words, and witnessed his inquisitive mind. We knew how he learned best. We just didn’t know it had a word.
He told us he would do whatever it took to finally be able to pass the STAAR test, even if that meant spending time with the campus reading specialist.
There were so many questions. There were answers, but still a sense of confusion. There was advocacy, clear direction, most of all a soul that we knew we now had to protect.
There were commitments for change in our direct community, with a growing feeling of desire for breath…a deep breath were we could just enjoy our son with others walking this path with their children who were also looking for a respite in the educational churn. A desire for community that we could learn from, support, encourage, and with time change what we knew was so wrong with our kid’s daily experience.
There was a challenge to find a place that could be the backdrop for celebrating dyslexia. An exhibit in Oklahoma found. A few phone calls, a presentation, a meeting, a charge, and a nonprofit born. Partners, collaborators, and energy quickly supporting this desire for change, but that much needed awareness and affirmation of strengths in all shapes and sizes.
Beautiful Minds: Dyslexia and the Creative Advantage provided the space for a deep joyous, affirming, breath. My children left proud, confident. My husband and I invigorated with hope. When the DoSeum said, “Yes,” I knew that San Antonio could show the rest of the country how to Celebrate Dyslexia well. Will you join us? Come see this groundbreaking exhibit October 10, 2020 – March 28, 2021. We look forward to meeting you and walking this journey with you. For more information, go to celebratedyslexia.org or thedoseum.org.
