Luke is smart (very high IQ in fact), he's creative, and he has a heart of gold. And despite these things, he struggles every. single. day. It's heartbreaking to watch as his parent and I imagine it's grueling for him. I think this stark contrast between great intelligence and creativity, and the challenges of ADHD and learning disabilities somehow cause me to worry more about him. Maybe a fear he won't be able to reach his potential.
In the midst of these fears, I search for stories of adults who have overcome these sorts of struggles. Maybe not overcome them, but learned to cope with them and found a way to achieve happiness in spite of them. I have read a few stories that give me this hope, but none as powerful as the story of Andres Torres, Outfielder for the San Francisco Giants. His story is certainly one of hope but also a story of determination, perseverance and, above all, heart.
Filmmaker Chusy Jardine of PlanA Films, is making a movie called Gigante about Andres, ADHD, late blooming, and working to achieve the greatness inside of you. Chusy gave a fantastic talk at TEDx San Francisco recently about these topics with a brief Q&A with Andres as well. Take a look -- it's 16 minutes long but worth every second:
- "no plan -- 100% from heart
- obsessive
- single-minded
- never wastes a moment
- learns through experimentation
- driven by creative impulse"
This is how Chusy describes late bloomers and Andres Torres. Does this sound like your child? It certainly sounds like a description of mine.
I gleaned more hope and peace about Luke's future from this TEDx talk than from any other inspirational story about succeeding with ADHD. This story is raw and real and that makes it so relatable. I see so much of Luke in Andres -- his emotion, his struggle, his heart.
I have had the pleasure of the opportunity to thank Chusy for making this film (regrettably, not in person). I hope to someday have the opportunity to thank Andres as well -- for sharing his story, for not being ashamed, for never giving up -- it's truly a gift, just as he is.
If I am this moved by a short talk and trailer for the film, I can't imagine how moving the film will be. I'm on the edge of my seat with anticipation.
Penny Williams is the creator and editor of {a mom's view of ADHD}. She is also a freelance writer, real estate broker, wife, and mother of two living in Asheville, N.C. She has published several pieces in ADDitude Magazine, the #1 national publication dedicated to ADHD, and has also been quoted in Parenting.com's Family Health Guide on ADHD and The High Desert Pulse article, When Ritalin Works. When not writing, she can usually be found behind a camera.
I gleaned more hope and peace about Luke's future from this TEDx talk than from any other inspirational story about succeeding with ADHD. This story is raw and real and that makes it so relatable. I see so much of Luke in Andres -- his emotion, his struggle, his heart.
I have had the pleasure of the opportunity to thank Chusy for making this film (regrettably, not in person). I hope to someday have the opportunity to thank Andres as well -- for sharing his story, for not being ashamed, for never giving up -- it's truly a gift, just as he is.
If I am this moved by a short talk and trailer for the film, I can't imagine how moving the film will be. I'm on the edge of my seat with anticipation.
Penny Williams is the creator and editor of {a mom's view of ADHD}. She is also a freelance writer, real estate broker, wife, and mother of two living in Asheville, N.C. She has published several pieces in ADDitude Magazine, the #1 national publication dedicated to ADHD, and has also been quoted in Parenting.com's Family Health Guide on ADHD and The High Desert Pulse article, When Ritalin Works. When not writing, she can usually be found behind a camera.