As a single mom raising five children, I constantly stressed about my boy. He was always a little odd—arriving at pals’ homes barefoot or overlooking simple tasks everyone else noticed.
He never submitted homework (even when completed in his backpack, after I’d reminded him endlessly), yet scored perfectly on exams.
In seventh grade, I had him evaluated for learning disorders, but results showed only ADD (minus hyperactivity) while performing at an 11th-grade academic level.
Still, he maintained just two close friendships in high school and skipped all typical social gatherings like proms. I agonized over his ability to connect with others.
At 17 when he left for college, my anxieties multiplied. Why hadn’t I delayed his schooling earlier? Here I was releasing him into adulthood before legal maturity!
Now—he’s starting his third year at University of Hartford. His friend circle has expanded beyond counting. He holds a 3.5 GPA while majoring in psychology.
Last summer, he counseled at a camp for adults with developmental disabilities—unimaginable years ago given his extreme food sensitivities. This summer, they promoted him to Assistant Camp Director.
In January, he independently organized study abroad programs across South Africa, Paris, and Rome—securing his own scholarships and handling all logistics.
Words can’t capture his transformation. He’s shattered every low expectation. Some swans simply need extra time to grow out of their awkward duckling stage.
Now I proudly declare: that magnificent swan was always my duckling, and I adore him completely.
To parents watching a child with dormant potential—have faith. Their breakthrough is coming!
