It was four years ago when Sean,
my youngest of four children, got off his school bus with
his shoulders slumped, his head down; he felt sad and
defeated. Unfortunately the effects of dyslexia extend
beyond the classroom. Taunted by classmates about his
placement, Sean's self-worth took a tumble. No, I would not
allow him to feel inadequate, not for a moment. It would be
a challenge, but our faith and courage would carry us to
success. We succeed in life not despite our challenges but
because of our challenges.
Sean has come a long way. He has demonstrated academic
success beyond our expectations. Yet, until recently, he has
had reservations regarding other activities. Aware of his
shaky self-confidence in this area, I have been
exceptionally selective in helping him choose an activity or
sport. Familiar sports meant winning or losing. I did not
need for Sean to feel defeat so soon after gaining
self-esteem about school. I signed Sean up for summer camp
at One To One Fitness, a private training facility in Coral
Springs. I had a good feeling about this; my insight served
me well.
A new door opened for Sean. This program has been a great way for Sean to explore a wide variety of physical activities. He has been provided with an opportunity to master something, perhaps something he can continue with and claim as his own. Sean experienced mountain biking, ice-skating, wave-running, Pilates, kickboxing, gymnastics and more, all great stuff with great people. It works for Sean. It’s not about winning or losing. It’s about meeting other kids, gaining knowledge about his physical self that will last his life-time, while at the same time enhancing his confidence. Most of all Sean is having fun.
One To One Fitness has been and
continues to be a powerful inspiration to my son. He has been captivated by a staff
of healthy role models. They are professional, certified
physical fitness trainers. I consider these individuals to
be “spirit builders” as much as they are body builders. Sean
is now empowered by affirmations such as “I can” and “I'm
good
at it.”
All children need to be
recognized in some special way. Recognition for something
well done boosts children's egos. I want our children to
gain self-respect, confidence and security in the healthiest
way. One To One has fostered this gain. As a parent I love
my children not for what they can or cannot do but for who
they are. My goals as a parent have been supported by the
truly devoted trainers and staff at One To One. My gratitude
for this is immeasurable
Manny, thank you for this opportunity to express my thoughts
on Sean's involvement with One To One. Let me know if there
is more I can do or if perhaps you need something a little
different in writing. As a mom to four kids and as a
pediatric nurse, my thoughts on kids are very strong, they
are my life. Thank you for being such a great advocate to
all kids. You are all doing a great job!
Mary Ann Flignor
Manny, this of course is a very
personal reflection, however it is what strikes out the most
to both my husband and I. I did not mention specific
activities, outings and all of your names. I hope it is
understood that Sean had the time of his life discovering
that he can "mountain bike" not just the usual "ride my bike
to school stuff," and that he now knows how to go
wave-running and ice-skating. He speaks of all of you
everyday as if you are his family. All of my kids do, so I
guess we claim you as that important. Angela did an
outstanding job with all of the kids, always cool, calm,
loving and obviously devoted to working with them. The lunch
Sean got everyday he claims was great and said we must visit
Carrie Ann at Rich's deli. Not to mention that everything he
or any of us eat at home has to be approved by Manny, his
biggest idol. Just last night I overheard Bill, my husband,
say "I don't care what Manny thinks, I'm eating it anyway."
Of course Rich is the chain of command to the other kids, so
you can only imagine the conversations and competition that
now takes place in our house. But like I said our gratitude
is beaming.
Many, many thanks, MaryAnn