"When life starts to get to me my mom says, 'bumblebees don't know.' This is because aerodynamically bumblebees shouldn't be able to fly; yet they do. This reminds me that even though I was told I couldn't do things, I did. Knowing this, I get up each day and work hard at school and work. When I do these thing, I am flying." -- from my American University essay, 2005
According to principles of physics and aeronautics bumble bees should not be able to take flight. Yet, bees can fly and do fly. Why though? How can this little insect defy the odds of something as concrete as gravity?
It is most likely because no one ever told them they can't fly.
It is most likely because no one ever told them they can't fly.
Why do I even know this? Because 15 years ago I was the little bumble bee flying along until someone told me I shouldn't be flying. And...I stopped flying so freely. That day, April 15, 1998, I was diagnosed with my Central Auditory Processing Deficit and other various learning issues.
That day a professional told me I was clearly accomplishing things I shouldn't be able to do. So I stopped. Well, more precisely my spirit stopped. It took several years of my mom fighting for me and encouraging me until I got off the ground again and began to soar again, and soar I have.
This year is somewhat more momentous to me. Besides being 15 years since that fateful day, this year I am not only a successful adult, I am a teacher, more specifically a special education teacher. In a way, I have become a bee keeper. I spend every day making sure my students can fly and can learn, it may be harder than it should be, but the end result is so sweet.
That day a professional told me I was clearly accomplishing things I shouldn't be able to do. So I stopped. Well, more precisely my spirit stopped. It took several years of my mom fighting for me and encouraging me until I got off the ground again and began to soar again, and soar I have.
A few years ago, I researched more about bees and their flying and I found one quote about bees and flying that really spoke to me, "their aerodynamic performance decreases and to compensate, they tend to flap their wings faster." To me that says it right there: children with LDs can fly, and clearly we do fly, but we just have to flap our wings harder. We are the bumble bees - doing the impossible every day, but what matters is we do it.
Today, more than ever, I am so glad I realized I could fly, regardless of what any specialist and test said. The last 15 years have been full of trials and sweetness and I am so happy to be flying through life; my arms may be tired but it's been so worth it.
20 thoughts on the matter:
Beautifully written and I am so glad that you are flying. I can sort of relate having chronic tick born diseases that severely wrecked my brain. I am learning to fly with what I have. Blessings.
Fly on little bee. And I love that you see yourself now as a beekeeper.
Tamar, oh how teary I am! This is a wonderful post!and I'm so encouraged by reading it. I would like to feature this post today because I think it would encourage others who may feel tempted to give up regardless of ability. Thank you for sharing!
You know, Tamar, I have a vague recollection of you mentioning LD before. But, I had completely erased it from my head. You are so accomplished at your age. I sincerely admire you. I am grateful you are a beekeeper now days and think of all that positive energy helping those little bees you influence each day! (hug)
You are amazing just like those bumble bees and such a great inspiration. My middle son has Aspergers and auditory processing issues along with sensory and executive functioning issues are his biggest challenges but he has an iron will and knows that it may take him longer than others to get from point a to b but he CAN and will do it. Of course I worry about his future but seeing people succeed like you makes me more confident that he can do this too and I would never tell him otherwise. He has an amazing spirit and a gifted mind. One day he will change the world :0)
Nice pictures. The nature in its splendor, beautiful flowers.
What sweet thoughts, you have risen above it all, little bee. Fly, fly and spread your love!!
This may be your most beautiful post yet. Thank God you are flying anyway and helping other little one to fly too xxxx
What a beautiful post, Tamar. Thank you for sharing. I love that you are a "beekeeper" now. I've said this before... your kids are so lucky to have you for their teacher. :)
Thank you for sharing this! I LOVE that your bees have a beekeeper that gets them...and is flapping hard right along with them! So inspiring!
Good for you! So glad you chose to fly!
Beautiful post! I hope you will always keep flying!
Ok, so I remember your American Univ. essay and I remember the kid you were more than 15 years ago...and I can barely see what I'm writing cuz my eyes are all blurry. Yeah, I'm a sap. An incredibly proud sap. I have watched this bumblebee fly and soar. I haven't gotten stung but I have swelled with pride at the woman you've become. (now if we can only get together cuz I saw you more often when I was farther away. ahem) xoxo ej
This is such a bee-utiful post Tamar (sorry couldn't help myself)! Not only is it wonderful that we can fly but that we find our wings at all...keep on flying little bumble bee, you are a soaring example for so many and your students and their parents are blessed to have you for their teacher! XO
Oh and what are the chances we both posted about bees today! ;)
good for your mom for having great BEE sense!! My son was diagnosed with sensory integration disorder/SPD - auditory issues - speech issues - feeding disorder . . .. when he was two years old. We still have daily battles - BUT - he is a normal 11 year old who will live a full rich BEE life just like you!!
I don't think I knew you worked in special education! I worked there for 17 years. Good for you. It's all about expectations, and bravo to your mom to keep the bumble bee in flight, and good for you for excelling! Thinking of you especially with all the craziness in Boston. Stay safe!
hi sweet Tamar! I pray you and those you love are safe while we are hearing about the lockdown in Boston. I pray you are safe! (hug) to you my friend!
Awesome post, Tamar! I love that you shared a personal triumph and that your Mom was so strong and helped you regain your strength.
I was diagnosed with an LD in Kindergarten. My Mom and Dad worked endlessly with me at home, flash cards, reading out loud, math problems ect. I was a good student, but it took a lot of hard work. I took several Advanced Placement classes in HS, graduated 5th in my class and graduated college with a 3.5 GPA.
Keep flying and practicing your Bee Keeping Skills, Tamar. I am willing to bet you have made an important difference in the lives of your students.
So well put!
And one of the things I love so much about your flight - is that it isn't so much about the destination, but appreciating the journey. It sounds trite, but it's so true... I see your appreciation for God's goodness all around you in the things you write and photograph and share.
And I love that you are a beekeeper! God has gifted you with compassion and a real talent.
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