I have a learning disability when I was young.
I stuttered until 11 years old. I was in high school when I first learned I had dislexia.
I can't read nor spell a four letter word not even with three letters. I had to be in theraphy almost all week during summer break just to catch up. So bullies are always in my shadow.
When I was asked to read in front of class in 8th grade I was shivering in fear, and the kids saw that my sweat is seaping through my pink cotton blouse. Since then every kid called my "Sweaty Cat", not that cats do sweat, but because i looked like i was so scared like a cat, and so sweaty my armpits are so soaked all the time. I also hate gym class, hence I started to use my Mom's deodorant and take whatever is left before she throws it in the trash. She figured it out and since then gave me extra allowance so I can buy my own.
Speaking of hygiene and personal care, She never told me about tampons or menstrual pads. Or any kind of girl body education. I learned them at school. Through a very graphic anatomical sex education.
Stella homeschooled me until I was 7 with a tutor when she gave up teaching me how to read, and remembered she called me stupid a lot of times.
She never wastes her time, she believes in self soothing, and only kissed me goodnight if I have an A in school, which is like rarely.
My only favorite time of the year is when I get to visit my grandparents house one week before school resumed.
Grandpa always gave me books about Travelling and home improvements, because he knew I like the pictures.
Angel someday you will get to travel in a different country, or a strange land, and eat exotic meals, and meet someone you love.
I smiled at my Grandpa's face like he was telling me his own life story. Yes, I will Grandpa. I promised him.
Do you know why your name is Angel? he whispered in my ear.
Why GrandPa?, I asked.
So you can fly like a bird and be wherever you want and still be by myside, because Grandpa is old now and he needs someone to take care of him. Ha! ha! ha!, he chuckled.
Angel, I like my name Grandpa.
Who gave me my name? I finally wondered and asked him in a hushed voice.
Why your Mother of course. She loves you very much. Always remember that even if she is not here
she always loves you.
He hugged me so tight I squealed and he started tickling me and he tucked me in bed that night.
The stars in my nightlight made me dream about flying away.