Off Center
June 26, 2011 
Just a boy.
He's the one who lives next door..across the street..down the hall from you. He's sweet. He's kind. He's quiet and shy. He's the one that no one takes the time to notice.
In a crowd - he's the one marching to his own drum...just a little bit left of center. Differently labeled..differently-abled..and most often called learning disabled.
He struggles with the academic basics - reading and writing and arithmetic..staying on task and focused.
Having grown up in a world that measures self worth by achievement...he believed only that he wouldn't. Dreams and hopes and imaginings were about a future and a life just one arm's length beyond his reach.
Time passes...
Seasons change. Rain and then sun and then snow and then rain. More rain. Shades of never-ending grey rain.
Strangely - it is in just this same rain in which he first got himself lost..that he is now found. Fully present..fully awake..alive.
He reads. He writes. He concentrates. He focuses.
Yes - you might still pick him out when walking in amongst others. A few steps behind..and a little off-center. Different - perhaps - but so much the same.
Different is good. Different is fine. Different is a perfect place to be.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
For all the mothers out there who struggle right along with their struggling kids. Don't ever give up.
Believe.
Reader Comments (29)
Lovely, your words are so true :-)
Oh my Marcie....your words go into the marrow....
That is so beautiful. I know a blog writer that has 3 autistic sons and I'll forward this to her...
OMG, such wonderful sentiments. I'm so glad that I found your blog.
'Hugz......
Ok love the green umbrella...and it made me giggle because I just posted an umbrella picture to my blog. Apparently coloured umbrellas are all the rage :)
so true .. what an encouragement this is today ..thank you ..
Amazing contrast!
I am back but I only have temporary internet access at the moment.
Please bear with me a little more. ;)
So very touching and a great reminder to look for the uniqueness and value in others. It's very important to pull together so we as families espcially don't pull apart. Thanks, Marcie.
Marcie, I loved this post and brought to mind my autistic grandson. Such true words.
Incredible and touching image and post Marcie
Wow. I just pictured this as a flyer seen posted everywhere...in schools, hospitals, doctors' offices, churches.... Thanks for the reminder!
i love the green umbrella. it really makes the photo work. i love the balance of light and darkness, and the use of space.
your words are so true. what a dull world it would be if we were all the same.
I love that green in the umbrella, standing out in the darkness
really stands out so well!
Very touching post Marcie and the perfect image to accompany it.
So true and beautifully shown with this picture.
lovely message, Marcie.... love the lighting in the picture too!!
How beautiful this is, Marcie. I contemplate these things as we anticipate our grandchild, and what things will shape her/his life. In some ways we are very fragile. In other ways, our strengths are often our weaknesses and differences, as you remind me here.
This post made me cry. It made me think of all the struggles my mother and brother went through as we grew up.
Wow...your words are amazing, and although I don't have kids, I can still relate to this on many different levels. Brilliant in every way!
brilliant post!
This is so powerful on so many different levels.
I just wanted to let you know that I am so happy to have found your blog. I read it while my coffee is brewing every morning, and it always fills me with peace. Thank you.
I only can say a brilliant composition Marcie!!! Perfect!
You brought tears to my eyes with this one...
great green spot
Les parapluies sont rares en ce moment. jolie composition.
Thank for you giving those of us who are off-center a voice:)
Great composition ! With this beautiful green.
Wow... This touches me so deeply Marcie. My boy is 13 and has struggled all though his life. He has always marched to his own beat from the day he was born. I refuse to give up, and I refuse to believing in him. I know that everyone has a place in this world, and he has to find the one where he fits best. Thank you for reminding me that it is all okay.