04/12/2025
When Carmen was first identified as dyslexic, I hid in my closet and cried with the list of suggested specialists from the psychologist. Mrs. Dawn reassured me from that first phone call that it would all be okay. I didn’t think it would be, but she was warm and kind and I wanted to believe her. Fast forward a couple of years and I cannot properly express the comfort that this sight is: Carmen, logged onto tutoring with Mrs. Dawn. Laughing, reading, being a little bit — er, sassy?, working hard with no despair or anxiety to be found.
I tell Carmen that one day she will be an adult and have graduated and I’m going to grieve the memories of making breakfast while she sits on Zoom with Mrs. Dawn because it’s such a familiarity and comforting routine. We’ve come so far from that timid, small child struggling to identify her letters and letter sounds but well aware of the society-perceived failures.
Everyone needs a Mrs. Dawn in their life. Someone who promises them it’ll be okay and makes good on that promise, as the years unfold. Suddenly I’m toasting bagels while Carmen reads the word “apartment” like she’s been doing this all her life and it really just takes you aback a little. What the right supports can do. What love can do. What someone whose belief in your child can do when you quiet the noise of what and who you should be.
Forever grateful for these Mornings with Mrs. Dawn.
