Ant hills to mountains

The Journey of a Fighter: My Son’s Story of Growth, Grit, and Greatness Today, my son is 11 years old. He’s full of life, confidence, and energy—the kind of kid who wakes up ready to fish, swim, ride his bike, throw a football, and dominate in Fortnite (he’d want you to know he’s in the top 0.5% of players—yes, he's that good). But behind his bright smile and love for adventure is a story of quiet resilience, strength, and an extraordinary journey that I feel so honored to share. When he was a baby, he experienced about a six-month delay in his physical development. We brought in an occupational therapist weekly to support him. Week by week, we watched him grow stronger, steadier, and more confident. His spirit never wavered—he just needed the time and support to bloom at his own pace. Before he entered kindergarten, I homeschooled him. Those early days are some of my most cherished memories. He would sit with his pencil, so careful and proud of each letter he wrote. When he finally formed a “perfect” one, his joy was contagious. It wasn’t just about writing—it was about achieving something that felt big, and knowing he could do hard things. But the transition into school wasn’t easy. Kindergarten and first grade were tough. Really tough. He struggled academically. I remember how he could write his name confidently before winter break, but if we didn’t practice over the holidays, he would forget how to spell it. He couldn’t read. The school recommended holding him back. But I knew my son. I knew his potential. I hired a child advocate and fought for him—not just for what he needed, but for what he deserved. Then something amazing happened. During the summer between first and second grade, he was enrolled in a dyslexia program. And he excelled. It was like the world finally opened up for him in the way he needed it to. He began reading and writing with confidence and pride. He was ready. By fourth grade, he had an IEP under “developmental delays,” not ADHD or a cognitive disorder, which was how the school originally wanted to label him. And then came the full-circle moment: he was reading well beyond his grade level. So far ahead, in fact, that the school stopped his IEP reading class because they “didn’t want him to get too far ahead of his peers.” Yes, you read that right. So, we made the decision to homeschool again. And let me tell you—he is thriving. He’s learning in a way that works for him, growing into a thoughtful, curious, and determined young man. His story is one of perseverance. Of a little boy who faced enormous obstacles but never gave up. Of a child who was often underestimated—but who continues to rise above every label, every doubt, every delay. Today, he’s the same kid who once worked so hard to write his name—and now he builds whole worlds in Fortnite, dives into books, and tackles life with a fierce joy. He’s proof that success doesn’t come from fitting into a system—it comes from being seen, supported, and believed in. And I couldn’t be prouder to be his parent.