Glasses

Jodi came over one day after she had Brigham at vision therapy. She wanted to try a few things on Hayden. She had me watch and told me it was just as she suspected, Hayden was not able to track with his eyes, but moved his entire head. I wondered how I had never noticed it. I had taken him for so many different vision evaluations. I was always told his vision was perfect.

Jodi hauled him in to Brigham's eye specialist. Hayden was tested and almost shed tears as the doctor explained to Hayden how hard it must be for him to read. He explained to Hayden that his eyes did not work together and made it virtually impossible for him to be able to read when his eyes saw things completely differently. He expressed to Hayden how smart he truly is. He told Hayden that he was sure that when Hayden was concentrating and trying the hardest that it came across as not paying attention. This is because of the sheer effort it took that it causes him to fidget. The doctor assured Hayden he was so smart and just needed to get his eyes fixed and all would be fine.

Vision therapy and glasses would do the trick. The doctor then had Hayden go look for glasses while he spoke with Jodi. He asked about cupcakes for a cure and connected that I was Hayden's mom. He knew that us paying for $5000 in vision therapy for nine months certainly wasn't going to happen right now. He gave Jodi a few exercises to do with Hayden each day. Jodi and Thomas and I were all shocked as Hayden makes sure we do his vision therapy exercises several times a day. He so wants to see better, read better and progress in school. I am in awe at his dedication and willingness to work hard for what he wants. I'm so proud of him.

A couple of days ago he went with Jodi to pick them up. He loved showing them off at school. His friends were great and told him how cool they were and how great he looked in them.

It's been less than a week and I am sure the novelty will wear off but boy is he ever good at wearing them. He can't believe how much clearer things are. He said that he can see clearer where one word starts and stops. Poor kid.

He's being a good sport. He is begging for vision therapy and offered to pay for it himself. We told him as soon as we can afford it, we will get him treatments. But for now, Jodi is teaching us and giving us some exercises to help. He certainly is being dedicated. I hope he continues to.

I am so thankful for this doctor. I'm grateful for his findings. Most importantly, I am grateful for how he handled the situation with my Hayden. The doctor built Hayden's self esteem and definitely got across the importance of therapy and hard work. Jodi said that Hayden did all he could to fight back tears when the doctor explained how smart Hayden is. What a great doctor to take the time to reassure him and help him to understand the obstacle that needs to be overcome. He enabled Hayden with the tools and the self confidence to succeed. What a great loving and kind man that I will always be grateful to for his kindness. Life is truly sweet.