About dyslexia by Leanne Dyck

I read this at an open mic night on Mayne Island -- and I wanted to share it with you...

"The Wise One"  photo by LDyck

Dyslexia is an inherited condition that affects the way the brain processes written and spoken language.  People with dyslexia are of average or above average intelligence. Having dyslexia is kind of like this...

A Love Letter

We have always had a special relationship. When we meet you wooed me with your clever tricks.You were never the same way twice. Sometimes your 'b' looked like a 'd'. Sometimes your 'p' looked like a 'q'. I was surprised that you didn't entertain everyone in this manner.
Our relationship grew and I learnt that you could be collected into a group. I was informed that this group was read as a word.
Ah, how your words danced before my eyes. Sometimes 'w-a-s' danced. How it waltzed; how it jigged; how it jived. Watch it now as it twists into 's-a-w.' Amazing! Thrilling! Yet you only danced for me.
Your behaviour does make our relationship challenging. Words dance before my eyes. Sometimes I am forced to guess at your intent. You are always a puzzle, a surprise. You intrigue me; you entertain me; you embarrass me.
Do you remember the time I was reading you to a group of children? I thought we were having a merry old time until one of the children stopped me. It seems you had fooled me yet again, but you hadn't fooled the child. Never mind, it was long ago, and I have forgiven you.
It doesn't matter to me that your relationship with others is easier and more harmonious. My passion for you grows stronger every day.

People with dyslexia are round pegs in a square peg world. Lack of support leaves many of us with health and employment problems -- some of us wind up on the street or in jail. Potential lost; lives wasted. But it doesn't have to be this way. Something must be done. All of us deserve an opportunity to write our own success story.Increasing society's understanding of dyslexia is a good starting point. 

How can you help?

I need you to know that I am capable -- even when I show my inability.

I need you to have faith that I will be able to pick myself up when I fall.

I need you to let me show you what I'm capable of -- before you help me.

I need you to shout at the top of your lungs, "Yes, you can! If not now -- someday; 

if not without me --with me."

I need you to believe in me, even when -- especially when -- I don't.

That's where I stepped away from the microphone...but I shouldn't have. I should have said...'

And some of us are writing our success stories, right now.

Successful Real Estate Agent, Barbara Corcoran swims with the fish in the TV program Shark Tank

And there are others...

in business:  Virgin chairman Richard Branson

in literature:  Pulitzer Prize-winning Poet Philip Schultz (YouTube video)

And there are more famous dyslexics (YouTube video)

A disability is only a disability if you let it be.

"an early Summer day on Mayne Island" photo by LDyck

Next post:  Sunday, June 11 (at approximately 5 PM PT)
Book review:  The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time by Mark Haddon