What Am I Thankful For?

As one might expect, I'm grateful for many things about my successful writing career. I've come a long way since I first started a few years ago and my countless loyal fans are the reason I continue to put out love stories dear to my heart, whether historical or contemporary.

However, this year I'd have to say I'm thankful for something completely different, though relative to the publishing industry and the precious written word that keeps it running. I hope you'll continue to read on, as this post is not about me. Some of you, may even find it helpful, if not encouraging.

For many years, my daughter has struggled to read at her reading level and we couldn't figure out why. In the years past, we have performed every test imaginable: ADD, a learning disability, eye strengthening therapy, tutoring, you name it. All of these examinations always came up short on an answer -- some even a misdiagnosis. From the time she was in first grade, reading had become a utter chore and a bitter task in which she no longer held much enjoyment. As an author, an avid reader, and a mother, it broke my heart to watch her struggle because she's always had a love for books.

Fast forward seven unfruitful years...she is now in eighth grade and, although she finds a series of books she likes to read every now and again (like The English Roses by Madonna, books by Bill Wallace and Mary Downing Hahn, and How I Survived Middle School), she still doesn't read at her grade level.

Finally, her grammar teacher, God bless him, came to me with concerns about her reading/writing skills (or lack there of) and educated me on the possibility of dyslexia. He put me in touch with someone who could test her and gave me the date of an upcoming seminar the school was hosting. Feeling overwhelmed, I actually cried in his office that day. I couldn't help feel like I'd failed her as a mother because we weren't able to get her the help she needed at an earlier age.

After our conversation, I went home an emotional wreck and did some research on the topic. In visiting several reputable sites about the specialized learning disability, I then realized all the signs were there but I was totally ignorant to the glaring clues. On a lighter note, I also found that NY Times Best Selling Author, Debbie Macomber lives with dyslexia, along with many other famous people. It truly was an eye-opening and awe-inspiring moment to know my daughter was not alone and that many successful people had achieved their dreams despite this hurtle. I finally felt as if there was hope for my daughter too. 

Immediately, we had her tested and recently received the diagnosis of dyslexia. While I was still consumed with mixed emotions, I was also relieved to finally have an answer to all her questions of "Why can't I read?" or "What is wrong with me?" and the gut-wrenching question "Why can my little sister read faster than me?"

To my surprise, my daughter took this news in stride and has since made it her personal goal to read ABOVE her grade level. She has worked harder than I've seen her and in a matter of a few weeks (along with a new reading program at her school), she's gone from reading 66 words per minute to 150, while still comprehending the material. It's the most amazing thing to see her proud of her accomplishments and to know she will do great things in her life because of it.

This is exactly what I am thankful for this holiday season:

• There are still dedicated teachers out there who care enough about their students and take the time to provide them with the extra help they need.
• There are many role models who've openly come forward and shared their personal experiences and struggles with dyslexia so the children (and adults) struggling to read are not frustrated or ashamed by the challenges they face with the written word.
• And most importantly, that my daughter didn't let this get her down or use it as an excuse not to chase her dreams. She's taken this "obstacle" and used it as her fuel to succeed. She no longer feels "stupid" or "incompetent"  when she's doing her homework. And she has this tremendous desire to overcome this challenge and prove to those around her that it's only just another mountain to climb.

If you, or anyone you know is struggling to read and write, or has been diagnosed with dyslexia, here are a few online resources with loads of information, direction, and answers about the language-based learning disability.

The Yale Center for Dyslexia & Creativity

National Center for Learning Disabilities

and for those in the Cincinnati area:

International Dyslexia Association: Ohio Valley Branch

Just to make you go "Hmmm..." here is a list of other famous people who have dyslexia that you might not have known:

• Albert Einstein
• Thomas Edison
• George Washington
• John F. Kennedy
• Walt Disney
• Leonardo da Vinci
• Beethoven
• Bruce Jenner
• Greg Louganis
• Whoopi Goldberg
• Orlando Bloom
• Henry Winkler
• Robin Williams
• Kiera Knightley
• Charles Schwab
• Debbie Macomber
• Agatha Christie
• William Butler Yeats
• Steven Spielberg

I want to thank you for reading this post in its entirety. If anything, it's been therapy for me to get it off my chest and to hopefully help someone else who might be going through the same.

Thanks for giving me the chance to express myself and for lending the proverbial shoulder for me to lean on as I begin this unknown journey with my daughter.

Have a very blessed and memorable Thanksgiving!

Renee Vincent
(Historical & Contemporary Adult Romance)
From the daunting, charismatic Vikings, to the charming, brazen Alpha male heroes of modern day, you'll be whisked away to a world filled with fast-paced adventure, unforgettable romance, and undying love.
Visit my website at http://www.reneevincent.com/

Gracie Lee Rose
(Lighthearted, Fancy-free Women's Fiction)
For those who love to read fun, wholesome, and endearing romantic stories that your mother, sister, friends, and daughters can enjoy.
Visit my website at http://www.gracieleerose.com/