Ever since I can remember, no matter how difficult the challenge of learning was for me, I went the distance. Despite my Cerebral Palsy and Dyslexia, and despite being able to write my girlfriends last name instead of my own in first grade, I stayed the course.  I remember not being able to sleep at night.  I remember worrying my little head off, and thinking and staying up all hours of the night tossing and turning.  I remember my mother buying me a pink, Zenith, clock radio so that it would help lull me to sleep!  Do you think it helped?

Sometimes!  But most nights, I wound up turning the dial for another hour or two of clasical music  instead of falling fast asleep by 7:40p.m. I was up until 10 or 11 at night. I can remember rolling over in bed- to and fro, in constant movement and anguish.  My mind was never quiet or still.  It was always in deep, deep thought.  Many a nights I can remember tossing from side to side thinking…”How am I ever going to remember this stuff!” “How am I ever going to remember these words for my spelling test tomorrow…”  But some how I did.  Somehow, I got through-  Maybe it was mind over matter.  Maybe I did not realize the power of my word!

And for sure, I did not realize how deeply rooted and seeded my will to succeed was!  I really never realize the power of my thought.  The power of my intension’s. Nor, did I realize how determined I really was!  All I knew was that some how I was going to make it-  Some how I knew I HAD TO MAKE IT!

Some how, some way, I found myself trying to overcome and compensate for the barriers I faced.  I tried to recognize and counter act what was happening to me. I tried to retain, and I tried to make up and neutralize the blocks and barriers I had.  All I wanted was to be able to learn like the other children I went to school with; who pick up the material they were learning with ease.  I did not want to be made fun of, nor did I want my school work ripped up by bullies.

My learning never came with that ease for me.  It was always hard, difficult, and relentless!  It didn’t feel like I was, learning a thing- but I guess I did-  I was alway open to a new way of learning and new ways to listen or finding new technique’s or method’s that would help allow me to learn like others.

I was open to listening, to find a better way, and I was open toward a solution to this learning problem I had.  I was open to someone who could really help me.  I guess because of my open- mind, and receptive attitude, it came to pass. And I am so very grateful I did.  Because I think…”Where would I be today if I was not!”