Jesse Hawk: Brave Father
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Jesse pushed his soup away. He knew how painful elementary school could be for a child who couldn’t read. For a while Jesse had slipped through the cracks, pouring all of his youthful energy into finding ways to hide his disability. And being a foster child who’d gone from home to home and school to school, he’d played the game well. But anonymity hadn’t lasted forever. Eventually the other students poked fun and called him “dumb,” while teachers began complaining to his foster parents that he wasn’t trying hard enough. By the time he’d been diagnosed with dyslexia, he was a quiet, somewhat brooding loner.
“So how did you handle it with Dillon?” Jesse asked, still feeling responsible for his child’s disability. Why, damn it, did that gene have to surface?
“At first I looked into enrolling him in a special school,” Tricia responded. “There are a few private schools that specialize in educating dyslexic children. None are particularly close by, but I was willing to commute.” She sipped her water and continued, “But I ended up hiring tutors instead. Dillon wanted to go to school with his friends, with the kids he’d known since kindergarten.”
For once Jesse was grateful for Tricia’s money. Hiring tutors was a luxury most families couldn’t afford, and he was certain Tricia had found the most qualified educators available. “So he’s doing okay now?”
“Much better.” She smiled. “And Dillon and I are both involved in a nonprofit organization that educates parents and schools about learning disabilities. We’ve organized quite a few fund-raisers.” Her smile faded. “I remember how difficult it was for you, Jesse. I never forgot the things you told me.”
He wanted to change the subject, but knew that would seem disrespectful to Dillon—the child burdened with his father’s disability. Jesse knew firsthand how being dyslexic would affect Dillon for the rest of his life.
“I joined a dyslexic support group in college. It really helped to know there were others out there.”
Her eyes brightened. “Our chapter has been talking about organizing adult support groups. Maybe you could get involved.”
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