Thursday, May 24, 2007

Today I have struggled with doing what is difficult but what I think is best for my child.

Our dyslexic daughter, Imogen, attends a local (how fabulous is that) private school dedicated to meeting the educational needs of children diagnosed with primary language learning disabilities, such as dyslexia. When we observed, with a growing realization, similar “symptoms” in one of our twin boys, Imogen’s younger brothers, we decided to apply for the same school. Ben was accepted and we have decided that he should attend for the next school year.

Making the decision was not a light task. The school fees are a huge commitment. Separating our twin boys and the complications that could arise from this was another big consideration. But, the opportunity for our second dyslexic child to receive regular one-on-one Orton Gillingham instruction with that multi-sensory systematic teaching that is recommended for language learning disabilities in a specialized school with an esteem-building environment, right on our doorstep, was not something to be dismissed.

The difficulty is the sweet and sour experience that Ben is now experiencing. Comprehending that he will be in an environment where classmates will not point out his incorrect spelling is a comfort. But leaving his friends is a grieving experience.

Seeing this grieving is hard and I feel like giving in. It would be easier to flow with the current and float downstream instead of struggling to fight the current and swim upstream. But I am prepared for the challenge and the difficulties we will experience in the next few months as the current school year comes to an end, Ben says goodbye to his school and 4th grade friends, his twin brother prepares for a 5th year where he fears he will be lonely and we have to answer the question of “why?” from classmates and their parents.

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