by Melody Hearndon

Created on: November 04, 2007   Last Updated: October 31, 2008

Being a parent is by far the most rewarding and challenging job you will ever undertake. There will be highs and lows you never thought possible. Part of being a parent is accepting the responsibility to be a constant presence in their lives, day in and day out mentoring them if you will through each avenue they venture through.

When your child is a special needs child, the added pressure by society that your child doesn't quite fit can be so discouraging. I knew early on that Jesse was different, but I didn't take that as a negative, as is so often done in society as a whole. What others perceive as not of the "norm", is more often than not only an opinion at best.

My son was always high spirited, rambunctious, and on the move. He embraced every day with an attitude of "what's going to happen today?" He flat wore me out at times with his constant bursts of energy through out the day, but that same energy generated his unique imagination and his ever present quest of knowledge that surrounded his environment. He was like a sponge. He soaked up as much of his day as he could, and was always sad to see the day end.

As a first time parent, I had no knowledge that this type of behavior was different. When I spoke of him being different, it was his ability to be so easily entertained that amazed me. He was reading by the age of three. When I asked our local librarian how old you had to be to get a library card her reply was that if he could fill out the request and sign his name, he could get one. She too was amazed as she watched him fulfill that request.

Early on in elementary school he was tested for the gifted program. His inability to maintain stillness and focus caused him to be turned down. At the time, I was unaware of the implications that come with a child that's gifted. What I know now is that it's nothing but a label. Expectations come with test results, and the higher the number the more responsibility is placed on you and your child. I deem that as nonsensical.

After great consideration and counseling, it was decided that Jesse would be put on medication for his ADHD diagnosis. That didn't take place until he was well into third grade. I can tell you it was the most difficult decision we ever had to make as parents. It's not something to be taken lightly, but in the end, it was what was best for him.

Our biggest concern was that it would alter his personality in a way that would change him completely. In fact it did the opposite. He was able to focus on

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