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