Gee, Officer Krupke,
We're down on our knees,
'Cause no one wants a fellow with a social disease.
- "Officer Krupke," from "West Side Story." Lyric by Stephen Sondheim.
Actually, son, it's your dad who has the "social disease."
Many people consider ADHD to be a disease, a disability. Your dad gave it to you. It's your inheritance, and in many ways it is more precious than gold.
But like any great gift, it has side effects. Nothing comes free. This is the most important lesson you can learn in your life, and you're learning it early.
I saw your teachers today. They say you're brilliant. But you also lose patience easily. You try to tell them how to teach. You argue. You're always raising your hand.
Public schools can't have that. They have to teach everyone. Even people who aren't as smart as you are. Even the linear-minded who weren't gifted with ADHD. You have to learn patience, for now. You have to be quiet, for now. You have to forgive them their trespasses, as they learn to forgive you yours.
This morning we approached the school for my conference about you, the conference which would settle your future at school. Your bus was emptying out, and
one of your classmates called, "John, you missed the bus?" She smiled.
I explained. You walked on.
One piece of advice, son. Don't walk on. Stop and talk. It's awkward, it's hard, but it helps. Share. Even those not gifted with ADHD can recognize your gifts, appreciate them, appreciate you, and in doing so help you forgive yourself the mistakes you make in life.
Anyone can have Robin Williams in their head. Your great challenge, which you have no choice but to accept, is to harness your Robin Williams, to keep his strengths without losing your mind.
Not easy for anyone. Not for me. Not for Robin. Not for anyone with ADHD. But such is the price of the gift. It's a gift I know you didn't ask for.
But it is a gift. Don't let anyone tell you different. If they try to, don't argue, just nod your head and move on. Those without gifts may not choose to understand. It's their choice. You can't make them. They don't have Robin Williams in their head. Maybe they're all alone in there. They may even feel at peace as a result. Maybe peace is their gift.
Let them enjoy their gift, as you embrace your own. Thanks for all you have taught me, and all you will teach me.
Not guilty by reason of excessive sanity.
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