I grew up in West Chicago and attended the local preschool. Like the other kids, I rode the bus to school, but I never joined the kids in class. I went to Mrs. Patty’s room. It took me several months to realize that I wasn’t like other kids my words were strange. I couldn’t pronounce my words. I had a brutal lisp and wasn't able to pronounce the “s”’ in words. Several years after the commencement of my speech therapy, I was diagnosed with dyslexia. This news came shortly after my family relocated from the Midwest to Ipswich, Massachusetts. My parents determined that the most effective way to combat my dyslexia was homeschooling and additional special education from the local elementary school. My years homeschooled were arduous. My parents disagreed often, my father worked long …show more content…
I still remember my first, middle school lunch. As the new kid, I didn't belong anywhere and I didn't have the slightest idea what to do. However, a blonde boy waived me over to his table and said “Hi my name is Craig. pop a squat”. I didn't become close with a lot of kids in my grade, but I was well liked and I began to come out of my shell. I joined the Cross Country team as a freshman and made varsity the following year. I had made several good friends and had never felt happier. That was when my life really fell apart.
In April of sophomore year, I found out my dad was having an affair. After meeting with my older brother, we told my mom and then asked my dad to leave the house. I didn't talk to my dad for the next several months. But on Father’s Day, he showed up at the house while my mom was out. He locked us in and told us that he was going to take care of us now and that my mother was the one who would be kicked out. I told my siblings to get out and then I tried to talk my dad down. After a few minutes, I ran out the back door and headed for the neighbors. I wouldn’t talk to my dad again for six