In a nutshell: Privacy. It seems like all we ever want in this life sometimes is privacy. There are things in our past that if others find out will leave us vulnerable. Raw. Open.

My childhood was anything but easy. As for school, it was harder for me than a typical child due to my learning disability, Dyslexia. Today, most people still don’t know I have it. In fact, if someone finds out about it they are surprised.

When I was young I was held back in 2nd grade. Even after that I struggled. I went to Terra Buena Elementary School from my second year of 2nd grade to 5th grade. The grading system had A’s, B’s, C’s and H’s (having difficulty) My report card always consisted of C’s and H’s. I struggled to pass each grade. And then in 5th grade I got my first ever B. It was only one but it was one B.

As school continued I slowly but surely learner how to compensate for my learning disability.

A month after Mari died I decided to enrolled back at Prairie State College. I was only four classes away from completing my associates degree in business. It took me two semesters but I graduated with a 3.85, and that would have Been higher if not for a semester I had gotten really sick and ended up with a couple of bad grades.

I’m proud of myself because no matter what, even through the greatest tragedy of my life I still did it. Technically I did. It was God’s strength that got me through. I feel blessed.

Talk about feeling raw. I don’t like to tell people about my learning disability as human nature tends to kick in. But it makes me who I am. I have to love me first if I expect anyone else to.