One of the very first books I read after Lucas was born was "What to do About Your Brain Injured Child" by Glenn Doman of The Institutes for the Achievement of Human Potential. I have been so grateful for that book over the past three years, because it allowed me to see things from a different perspective. It reinforced the things I secretly believed and has been a source of information and inspiration for everything we have done with Lucas.
When Lucas was born, I had a 5 and 3 year old at home, I didn't think I could go to the course and apply it purely from a time stand point. Instead I chose what I believed to be the most important aspects of the program. I immediately read all of the books on how to teach your baby to read, do math, and learn encyclopedic knowledge. I believed the cognitive stimulation was of primary importance. As for the physical, I put my OT hat on and modified and adapted everyday's activities. Lucas spent his day "playing" with those who loved him the most. Who knows whether it was the specifically designed activities he was completing or the simple fact he was believed in and adored, but he thrived and succeeded at things I would have never believed possible.
Our journey has brought people into our lives that I can't imagine being without. Just about a year ago I found Kristen Morrison from Naturally Better Kids in Australia while I was looking for more information on natural approaches to health and wellness for Lucas. About a month ago we finally met in NY City - the Morrisons on their way to the Institutes, and us knowing we were beginning a new chapter in our story. As we walked through Central Park and the streets of NY with our boys running and playing as though they've been friends for years and the day flying by far too quickly, I realized everything was coming full circle. The very book that changed the course of our lives three years before, the Institutes that I've considered hundreds of times, and now dear friends who have a wonderfully gifted son, were all coming together...there was no reason I could think of to delay going there myself.
Perhaps it's just the right time or maybe it's the admiration I have for people who are willing to spend a small fortune, fly to the other end of the world and literally dismiss every excuse as pale in comparison to an opportunity for their son. The program is time consuming and demanding, but I couldn't help but remember all those years I spent 50-60 hours a week treating patients, I thought nothing of cramming in 20 treatments a day - the time is now. I realized my reasons for not doing it sooner wasn't that I was afraid my son couldn't do it, I was afraid I couldn't.
I am leaving for the Institutes next Sunday and when I come back, we'll figure it out together!
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