The scattered genius, Albert Einstein {who is believed to have had ADHD and learning disabilities}, said so himself. He was referring to reference points in space but it applies to everything in life really. Our opinion or definition of any one thing is different based on our frame of reference, our vantage point. To illustrate very simply: I personally think $10,000 is a heck of a lot of money. Someone who is wealthy might think it's very little -- I have real estate clients who are easily willing to risk that much and more. One man's pocket change may be another's pot of gold, because it's all relative.
Relativity has played an ever greater role in my psyche in the three years {today} since Luke was diagnosed with ADHD. I often find my inner voice reminding me that things could be worse. With the realization that Luke's life {and my own life} could be harder comes a lot of gratitude. And it often comes in the tiniest of packages.
This has been a really tough year for Luke and a really tough year to be his {adoring} mom. We discovered that he must adhere to a gluten-free diet. We have continued with failed medication trials, nearing the end of possibilities for effective medication. We battled with Luke's public school for assistive technology and more classroom accommodations and lost. We put him in a private school, despite not having the tuition, and he was asked to leave within two months, returning to the public school. We are suffering financial hardship with no end in sight. There's a lot to worry about but I'm making a conscious effort to focus on the positive -- for Luke, for my emotional well being, and for our family.
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| I know all will turn out okay when I see this amazing smile! |
This Thanksgiving {and every day really}, be sure to let your child know how thankful you are to have them in your life, show your gratitude for their gifts, and forgive that which they have no control over. There's no greater gift you can give them but LOVE.
Feel free to share what you are thankful for right here in the comments. You could help someone else see something great in their child on a tough day.
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.