Today, in Emma's Readers' Theater class (history stories), she played the role of Mary Todd Lincoln. She did an absolutely amazing job! I don't say this because I think she is destined for a life in theater. In fact, it has nothing at all to do with her acting skills.
Nope, this was a big day for her for an entirely different reason. At almost age 7 after a day of exhausting testing, Emma was diagnosed with dyslexia. While she has a high IQ and great recall, she painfully struggles to decode the words. While I had no doubt she would eventually be able to read (her determination alone will take her wherever she chooses to go), she had to overcome her desire to hide her challenges from the rest of the world. This year, shortly after turning 10, she decided she needed to get over her fear and start trying to read out loud around her friends.
Oh my! She blew me away today! I had the privilege of hearing her read big words (for her), like "henceforward", so beautifully that one might not ever realize the hours, tears and struggles this sweet girl has gone through to get to this point. I was so happy for her I had to fight back my tears of joy (so that I didn't embarrass her or frighten the other children in class). Way to go Emma!!
Laura, I have tears in my eyes right now. I don't know if I told you, but Alec was diagnosed with dyslexia recently. Maybe he mentioned that during the class, but I hope he was able to hear you say how kids with dyslexia are smart and capable.
ReplyDeleteI'm so happy and proud of both of you! Emma is such a brave, capable and beautiful girl! This is inspiring...
ReplyDeletebeautiful. She will treasure this post forever.
ReplyDeleteDeb, Alec told the class that he might be dyslexic. I told him that Emma is too. I also told everyone in the class, while looking directly at Alec, that in order to even be diagnosed with dyslexia that person must also be VERY intelligent. I think he liked that!
ReplyDeleteAwww, thanks, Laura.
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