DiFFeREnT ShOEs: Reframing Dyslexia

Those close to our story know that one of our sons has dyslexia; a language based learning DIFFERENCE.

I choose this word rather than 'disability' because the label, comparison woundings (as a twin), and judgements have also been a painful process to navigate as a family.

I love the word 'difference' as it levels us all. I am frequently confronted with so many unexpected abilities in all our children. The dyslexic perspective particularly pushes me into unknown territory that I would have missed without this insightful brain altering angle of interacting with the world....so unique and impacting....

It fuels gratitude and inspiration and confronts the societal systems and expectations which position and rank our children according to ever shifting standards. These measures and scales have been much of the challenge.

Nobody would ask a child in a wheelchair to run 800 metres against physically abled classmates in order to get a grade to graduate. There would be uproar; protests against discrimination; child protection cruelty, and even law suits ...yet this is what we have continually encountered with a less visible learning difference from all sides.

There have been plenty of outspoken comments as well as indirect silent or passive aggressive opppsition regarding our choice to homeschool. Outside experts openly share unrequested advice, opinions, criticism, and judgements. (Yes this is THEIR decision; We are not afraid to ask the hard questions and wrestle the answers out fully and as often as we need to....this is what our children are choosing for themselves; each with their own different process, explanation and conclusion!)

I am willing to listen to critics and I am willing to answer questions but I choose not to justify this ongoing decision. (It has not been an easy road to walk out). My only response is to say it has been an unfolding adventure of family growth and life learning. The world is our classroom and we are all learners alongside each other...step by step.

Every loving parent will do their utmost for their children's needs; from a simple checkup to leukemia treatment, glasses to improve sight or raising money for prosthetic limbs, tutoring, dentist braces, counselling; we are all motivated by wanting the best for the ones we love the most.

I am honestly just trying to raise those entrusted to me to author a kinder narrative; not just of acceptance but of creating wide opportunites and space to thrive beside one another. Ones who will challenge the boundaries for each other instead of racing for a medal against incomparable opponents. Ones who will offer an open invitation to participate, collaborate, and generate value in meaningful growth and character more than increasing the trophy cabinets and measuring their worth so unfairly and shallowly. There is more to discover and dig for..... !

I am hoping for ones who will listen with empathy and compassion recognising they will never walk in the shoes beside them....but greatly respect the journey those feet have travelled so far and champion to cheer for the next chapter...

It is application not knowledge. It is authenticity and integrity. It is what is urgently missing in a screen addicted, lonely, lost, and disconnected generation rapidly losing hope, vision, and direction.

That is how I am defining 'education'. There is no final destination or framed certificate diploma. No graduation ceremony! Just a new pair of shoes when the current soles wear out!

Keep moving forward! 👟👟

'Before you start to judge me, step into my shoes and walk the life I'm living and if you get as far as I am, just maybe you will see how strong I really am.'