Overcoming An Obstacle

The Daughter I Never Had Chapter 2

A/N: This is the events of my recent collaboration with Mandalicious Overcoming Obstacles from Mrs. Pugh's perspective.

In the fall of 1936 a firestorm of emotion ravaged through our household. Molly was diagnosed with dyslexia in mid-September.. not longer after the school year started. Grace took things the hardest.

On the day she found out the diagnosis we went to my room to have one of our famous chats. She was beside herself. The minute I shut the door behind us she threw herself down on the bed.

I rubbed her back comfortingly. "Grace Liz?"

She looked up at me.

"Come here baby."

Slowly, she came over to me and I pulled her into my lap, stroking her hair.

"Oh Mama, I feel so lost I don't know what to do."

"Molly's dyslexia diagnosis has you tied up in knots doesn't it?"

All Grace could do was nod.

I let her sit in my lap for about 10 minutes rocking her gently.

"She told me that kids in her class have been teasing her because of her dyslexia."

"Some children can just be so cruel." I said shaking my head.

"I want her to be happy in school Mama. I don't want to her feel alone or like an outcast because of her disability."

"I'm sure her teacher must be aware that the teasing is going on and is doing something to control it."

"I would hope so… I hope there are some kids in her class that will be willing to try to help with her reading."

"How many kids are in Molly's class?"

"Probably about 24."

"I'm sure for every one child that makes fun of her there must be one or two that would be willing to help her with her reading."

Fresh tears fell from Grace's cheeks. I pulled out my handkerchief and quickly dabbed at them.

"Shh, darling, things will be alright."

"I know I have to be strong for Molly but when she told me she was being teased my heart just broke in half."

"Well hopefully since you found out about the disability in the earlier stages you'll be able to get the right kind of treatment so that way it will be easier for her to deal with later in life."

"That's another thing I'm confused about. What kind of treatments would there be?"

I shrugged. "I don't really know. Have you and Oliver considered homeschooling her?"

Grace looked up at me shocked. "The thought never crossed our minds. We certainly don't want to isolate her."

"You won't be. I'm sure she'll make friends in school eventually. She's a sweet girl. If you decide to homeschool her she can still have her friends over her for play dates and parties."

"Alright, I'll discuss this with Oliver and see what he says… he might not like the idea."

"Are you going to meet with Molly's teacher about the teasing?"

"Yes, sometime later this week I'm hoping."

Grace kissed my cheek.

"I love you Mama."

I stroked back the stray hairs on Grace's forehead and returned the kiss.

"I love you too my beautiful precious girl."

A month later at the end of October a few days between Annie's birthday Grace came home from parent / teacher conferences completely distraught. I made her some fresh tea and brought it up to her and Oliver's room right away. I knocked on the door.

"Grace Liz, sweetheart I brought you some tea."

I was met by nothing by gut wrenching sobs from the other side of the door.

I let myself in and put the pot of tea on the dresser. Grace was under her covers already in her pajamas.

"Lay down with me." She whispered.

I obliged and almost immediately after I settled down under the covers she curled into my side.

"What's wrong precious?"

"Oh Mama, Mrs. Richards said that Molly's reading and writing has not improved very much over the last month. She's says that home schooling her will be the best option."

"Gracie Liz, this is what is best for Molly. We can all help her achieve success if we watch her at home. This will work out the best for her in the long run."

"I know, but I just hate seeing her struggle so much and hearing that she is still being bullied."

"On the positive side she does have friends now that stick up for her."

Grace smiled through her tears. "I am so grateful that Molly has found a great support system among Jamie Erikson and her group of friends."

"Don't you cry my sweetest angel, Mama's here."

Grace's sobs did not let up. I rubbed her back until she quieted.

"I love you very much." Grace whispered.

"I love you too my beautiful Gracie Liz, you are my whole world." I laid a kiss on her forehead.