My Warmhearted Son

By Roben Oaktrey

This is the story of Aaron, a child born with attention deficit disorder. We discovered, when Aaron was about two years old, something was a little different about our little buddy. At four, they asked him to leave the daycare, and the YMCA could not handle him. I needed to hold his hand, or some part of him, all the time we were together. He loved running away, and he knew I would come running after him. 

 

Our sweet child possessed impulsive habits which kept us jumping and aware all the time. He surprised us with new actions that needed our prompt attention. 

 

His doctor and teachers asked us to wait to see how he developed before recommending any medications or counseling.

 

We love Aaron and want the best for him. We soon found out we had a lot of work ahead of us. He is full of unintentional surprises. 

• Language: English
• Publisher: Young Oak Treasures
• Release date: Jan 5, 2023
• ISBN: 9798215484777

Roben Oaktrey

Roben Oaktrey is the author of three short stories in the Hailey series: First Show with Buddy; Buddy’s Last Show; and First Show with Dusty. Roben has participated in several adventurous activities throughout his life, and is now a retired construction engineer. He spends most of his time with his grandchildren and writing short stories.

Book preview

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SUMMARY

This is the story of Aaron, a child born with attention deficit disorder. We discovered, when Aaron was about two years old, that something was a little different about our little buddy. I had to hold his hand, or some part of him, all the time we were together. He loved running away, and he knew I would come running after him.

At his regular doctor’s visits, I asked them if Aaron needed special attention. They told me to wait to see how he developed, and it could be something temporary.

At four, they kicked him out of daycare. The YMCA summer program did not have the resources to take care of him. He survived during elementary school. In middle school, it was worse, and in high school, we needed to take drastic actions to help him. With his doctor’s help and the school’s help and recommendations, we developed a plan for Aaron to succeed in school, relationships, work and to manage the rest of his life. This plan, combined with love and understanding, proved successful in all areas.

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DEDICATION

I dedicate this book to our son, Aaron, and all other children who experience the hardships of living with ADHD.

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INTRODUCTION

We noticed Aaron, at a young age, had exceptional athletic, math, and music abilities.

On Sunday mornings, I brought the children, Aaron and Annie, to church at least one hour early. We sat in the front row and listened to the worship team practice. Aaron clapped his hands on his knees and rocked his feet to the music every Sunday. His eyes and ears tuned in to every movement and every note of music. On two different occasions, during break, the drummer walked up and gave Aaron a set of drumsticks. Aaron started in drum lessons at four and progressed to piano lessons at eight years old. His piano teacher retired after teaching Aaron for eight years. He continues to play both instruments, learning new songs on his own.

We signed him up for soccer, baseball, and basketball at three. He excelled in all sports and became a leading scorer. He appreciated the game mentality and always tried his hardest. As he grew, every coach wanted him on his team and those who did not have Aaron realized their season would be tough.

Aaron is an exceptional student. However, it is difficult for him to sit still and focus for long periods of time. He struggled through elementary and middle school. High school was the real challenge for him. He had a few close friends, and the other students made fun of him, and suggested things to Aaron that they identified would get him into trouble. Then they would laugh at him and he thought he was making friends, and he did not understand what he did wrong.

After a few suspensions and probationary periods, the school met with us and together; we came up with a plan for Aaron’s success. This plan would stay with him throughout his life and he now has the tools he needs for success in any area of expertise he chooses.

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FIRST BREATH

Mary and I received a phone call at about two in the morning on January seventh, 2005. I will not answer a call at this time of day, but Mary will answer the phone, no matter what we are doing. This time, it was a pleasant phone call, and not someone trying to sell us a time share.

Hello mom?

Yes, it is me. Mariann, are you OK? Why are you calling at this time of the day?

I am fine. I just wanted to let you know you now have a new, healthy grandson.

Mary jumped out of the bed so fast, I thought she hurt herself.

Mary, what is wrong?

Oh, my goodness! Bob, quick get up and dressed. We need to go to the hospital.

What is wrong? Is someone dying?

No, not this time. Mariann called and we now have another grandson.

We rushed to the hospital. When we walked into the room, Mariann was laying in the bed, and the father, Raul, was standing beside her. Our beautiful grandson was lying on her chest, sleeping. Raul leaned over, picked up his son, and handed him to Mary.

I fancied a lot of babies, but I believe this one is the sweetest and happiest.

OK, my turn.

When I held that sweet little person in my arms, I noticed a joy that I had not experienced in a long time. He looked up at me and smiled and moved around. He never cried, but I cried for several minutes.

Don’t anybody ask to hold my grandson. I will tell you when it is time.

I did