My son was diagnosed with NVLD in the 4th grade. Given the fact that he and his brother were surviving triplets born at 24 weeks gestation you can only imagine the early intervention appointments they both had in the beginning when they came home from the NICU after each having lengthy stays.
Fast forward until now where they are both 21 years old. My son who was diagnosed with 100% NVLD in now a junior at UMASS Amherst. I was horrified when I learned this was one of his top picks for schools to attend.
I thought to myself, this school is way too big, he will be totally lost. The exact opposite happened. He loves school so much and for the first time in his life has found friends. Never once during his school years, grades 1-12 did he ever bring a friend home. His recess was spent clinging on to the teacher who was assigned to watch over the children on that given day.
I know it is hard, but sometimes you have to let go a little bit and let them push their boundaries. He has also traveled with his class when in high school to many countries in Europe which he absolutely loved. He actually asked a girl to the senior prom at the top of the Eifel Tower and she accepted.
I’m not sure what will happen after he graduates next year as far as a job, career path etc. We are just living each day to the fullest for now and tackling issues as they arise. One thing I will mention though… We did have a period of time when he did struggle a lot with depression. I did try CBD (cannabidiol) Oil for him and noticed a huge difference. He used it for about 1 year and it was a significant difference in his mood, personality etc. It was almost like all the pieces of the puzzle came together and having a social conversation with him was definitely different in a good way. So much that our entire family noticed a difference. He stopped using it after about a year, but I firmly believe it was more of stubborn thing on his part. Sometimes you have to let go and let them make their own decisions. I am hoping he will once again try it as it is a neuroprotectant and anti-inflammatory as he has suffered brain bleeds as a preemie.
In the end, every single one of us on this planet differs in one way or another. That is what makes us all individual and unique. Both of my sons have grown to become the sweetest young men and I am so thankful and feel so blessed to have such a wonderful family. There has been plenty of struggles along the way but I prefer to focus on the things in my life which I am grateful for.
Janet
I am a single Mom. I have a beautiful daughter who is married with her first baby on the way and two beautiful sons. I work hard and love my family more than anything. I have experienced so much in my life. Some things have been heartbreaking and some things have been bliss. Life is such a gift, I am thankful every single day.
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