I only began using a computer and the internet in the mid-1990's. I am not at all proficient in Word, Excel or Powerpoint but hopefully in the future I will get to know these programs. I do my best to never use the phrase "It's easy", because something might be easy for myself but it may not be easy for someone else. I am very patient and realize that not everyone has the same learning capacity and/or speed, so I respect this in others as well. I am patient with others...and please know that this is difficult for me to share, but those of you who have been reading my blog for a long time already know this, so please bear with me. For those of you who are newer readers and followers of my blog, I certainly hope that this doesn't scare you away. I know it may sound strange that I would think that some may be scared away, but believe me, it has happened to me in the past and I find it very sad that people should get scared away for this. Friends of mine who have known me for a long time (face to face) have told me that people who get scared away over this are not worth having as friends to begin with. I tend to agree.
When I was in Grade 2, one of my teachers felt that my capacity for learning was at a slower pace than the other students...as a result of this, I was put into what was called a special class. I never mentioned this to anyone whom I knew, because, to be honest, it was quite difficult and embarrassing for me. The students in the regular classes often made fun of me, calling me things like "stupid", "retarded", "dummy" and the like. I was in this special class right up to high school, but in the last two years of high school, with the help of a very kind and patient tutor, encouraging and kind teachers, I managed to get back into the regular classes by grade 10, and graduated with my high school diploma in grade 11. I had to work really hard, because I was not only moving up a grade a year, but a level, so it was hard work but I did my best.
For anyone who has spoken to me and/or met me, it is a shock that I was ever in such a class to begin with. This is the thing with mental illness such as depression, which I do struggle with, and a slightly slower capacity to learn, which is not a mental illness but I suppose a mild disability. It for the most part doesn't show on the face or in the actions of a person, but it is there. Whether or not I 'belonged' in the special class in school for people who learn at a slower capacity, it has taught me to be kind and patient, especially with people who have disabilities, be it mental or physical. It has taught me to be non-judgmental and to be empathetic towards everyone, and especially people who have been misjudged and/or mistreated by others because of their mental illness or disability. A few of the teachers who taught the 'special class' that I was put in told me that they felt I didn't belong there. However, being a child I wasn't in a position to know or decide this, so.... Thank you for listening and I will talk more about this in future posts. I will close this personal note with this quotation. :)
The videos I have chosen for this post are:
A Just for Laughs Gag/Juste pour Rire
Boreal Chickadee - Bird of the Boreal Forest
The Russian Tea Room - New York, NY
A Fox Steals a Man's Golf Ball
For the following, I am providing the link source beneath each photo. You just need to click on the images to see a larger view.
Thank you all so much for visiting me here! I always enjoy and appreciate reading your kind thoughts, which you are always welcome to share.
(•ิ‿•ิ)✿
ReplyDeleteBonjour chère Linda !
MERCI pour cette jolie publication !!!
Bon mardi et GROS BISOUS !!! ! º° º°｡☆ ★彡
i really appreciate your sharing today, and i'm sure many others will too. when i read your writing, it radiates intelligence and warmth. the struggles we endure in childhood will unfortunately leave a permanent scar, but i'm inspired that you've discovered a greater beauty to treasure despite the scar.
ReplyDeleteNo worries! You're not alone. I'm not technically inclined either so there are many things that I do not know as well and do not seem to be able to learn - seems so easy to my girl, all these modern gadgets. She does not even need to read the manual...while I would have to struggle to read the small fonts and still would not know what to do. Sighhhhh!!!!! But we'll get by somehow - I've fared pretty well without a smartphone or one of those pads or whatever. :D
ReplyDeleteOnce again wonderful thoughts and ideas. Almost every adult was a child who was misunderstood. It's sad what a huge impact that lack of understanding has
ReplyDeleteon life as people carry on trying to put the past behind them. Brave story.
Take care,
Barbara
Hi Linda - I believe I have read this story on your blog before. I can't imagine this would scare anyone away. It just shows what a beautiful and accepting person you are. I think this situation is more of a reflection on the teachers than on you. People in a position of "power" are often quick to judge. Sometimes a teacher just doesn't like a certain child. Although they are supposed to remain impartial, in the real world, that's often hard to do. I'm glad you overcame the difficult in the end though. THis is a very inspiring story and you shouldn't be afraid to tell it. :)
ReplyDeleteChildhood memories of what was, and what might have been. I am so thankful for your tutor who understood so well. I can truly understand, as for years I walked so slowly, always with a stick after a back injury and spinal surgery. Traffic at crossings had to wait, I couldn't drive for ages, do anything in the home, or even get dressed by myself. But after that, I understood and empathised with others when I saw them in a similar situation. But when someone saw me in the street, they had no idea what had happened or was happening right then. And as things are right now with Hugh, I can understand. And one day a while ago he said " Now I really know how it was for you all those years ago" ( at the time he really had no idea how difficult every day was)Thank you so much Linda for this peep into your life You know this gives you the way to help others, to feel for them, to understand, and if it is only with your words , they may reach to another, and encourage with the gentleness that you have in heaps..Many hugs, Jean.
ReplyDeleteHello Linda,
ReplyDeleteIt takes so much courage to share something so personal. Personally, I don't find it weird that you were in that kind of class, you just had a weaker "muscle" in that area that needed to be exercised (everyone in this world, has a weak "muscle" somewhere!). But again, thanks for sharing because it might inspire others, as it did me.
Anyway I just wanted to say I love your posts as usual, but I particularly enjoy the getting to know you ones!
have a lovely week!
Thanks for sharing part of your personal life about you. You have a heart of gold, and read as a very kind person. I do like the quote you chose to finish with :)
ReplyDeleteThis post shows how warm and understanding person you are. A big hug ! Sussi
ReplyDeletehoooooo very nice the fox!!! il est trop adorable lollll, trop génial!
ReplyDeleteici on en a en ville mais un conard en a deja clouer sur les portes de garages!
on a jamais trouver celui ou celle qui a fait ça ....
bisous et douce journée
Love this again and again! :D Thanks for making the effort of making another's day through your posts.
ReplyDeleteHello Linda .. Very good post .. Full of love .. Good work .. Regards
ReplyDeleteI like that quote happiness isn't having what you want but wanting what you have... so very true xox
ReplyDeleteAs for having to go to the other class ... it must have been difficult to attend when you were younger but I don't think this makes you different as you get older... My youngest had to go to something similar to this when I had her in French Immersion classes... once I allowed her to move to English classes she soared. I realized she just wasn't ready to learn French only at this time in her life... when she is ready, she can go back on her own... Very nice that you share Linda xox
les informations personnelles sont intéressantes Linda..
ReplyDeleteje te remerci pour le partage..
tu es vraiment courageuse..
greetings
Thank you for sharing linda. It is never easy when it is so personal, however without your journey you wouldn't be you. Your inner light shines ever so brightly.
ReplyDeleteHello Linda, I want to comment on your post before I watch the clips as I’m afraid my thoughts will be muddled otherwise. I’m also a slow learner, something I was ashamed of while at school and even when I went out to work. I left school just before my 16th birthday with no exams and no prospects but at 40+ I went to night school to see if I could pass a GCSE – I did, and went on to take A levels and just before my 50th birthday I because a qualified accountant. It took 10 years to achieve, and I’ve hardly used the qualifications (preferring to collect, buy and sell books), but I did it to prove to myself that I’m not stupid. During those 10 years I had lots of assessments, and it was eventually confirmed that I am dyslexic, something I long suspected. Spelling and writing are a challenge, and I’m sure I make lots of mistakes – but real friends don’t judge. Those that criticise and scoff are not friends and not nice people.
ReplyDeletemerci pour tous ces petits souvenirs personnels
ReplyDeletebonne journée Linda
Hi Linda, I am so touched by your personal sharing. It takes a lot of courage from you. Be encouraged that your sharing will reach out and minister to others with the same experience. That is a very beautiful personal note. Now you yourself have become a blessing, treasure and priceless to those you are touching. Thank you so much. Love you, hugs, hugs.
ReplyDeleteHi, dear Linda! Thank you for revealing more interesting facts about yourself. In the first grade I was scolded and my hand smacked for being left handed. The teacher tried without success to correct me and train me to become right handed. Throughout my life I have found it difficult to use machines and tools that were designed for right handed people.
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed the report on the Boreal Chickadee. They are adaptable little birds, able to endure the harsh Canadian winter by planning ahead, storing food above the snow line, growing extra feathers and even lowering their body temperature. I also enjoyed the tour of the Russian Tea Room, an eatery that began as a soda fountain and evolved into a world class dining experience with Christmas decorations remaining in place throughout the year. The frisky young fox playing with the golf ball was a joy to behold.
Thank you, dear Linda, and have a wonderful Tuesday!
I agree with Clara. Each of us has our weak points and moments, and it's coming through them strong with the Lord's help that matters.
ReplyDeleteThat fox is a beauty! Loved to see it play!
So sorry to hear of your childhood, Linda. Well, most importantly you're loved now & those are things of the past. May tmr be a brighter day for you! xoxo
ReplyDeleteBonjour Linda,
ReplyDeleteComme je suis une grande admiratrice des oiseaux, j'ai adoré regarder le vidéo de la petite mésange!
✰ Gros bisous ✰
Manon
my brother was labeled slow throughout his school years. Turns out he was dyslexic, and never diagnosed.
ReplyDeleteGreat post. I try not to judge anyone. Live and let live is my motto. Enjoyed learning some more about you. Great videos and quotes once again. Have a blessed day. Madeline
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing this information about yourself. Sound like your past has made you the compassionate caring person you are today! I think these are great qualities to have!
ReplyDeleteP.S. I loved the fox video.
Thank you for sharing this very private part of your life Linda. By doing so you are helping others. Children learn at different levels too, and all too often get left behind. Your experiences have made you a very compassionate and empathic lady. I suspect those traits were already there.
ReplyDeletethe fox is cool :-)
ReplyDeleteHola linda, gracias por compartir algo tan personal. El pensamiento positivo, la energía positiva de aquellos que nos quieren y nos acompañan es algo muy necesario y una manera de que las cosas esten mejor. Un abrazo enorme.
ReplyDeleteThe video with the fox is just marvelous.
ReplyDeleteIt takes a lot of courage to share that. My disability, if one wants to call it that, was that my fine coordination took longer to develop when I was growing up, so as a child, I was clumsy at times, my printing and art tended to be messy in school, and I tended to be withdrawn as a result.
Bonsoir chère Linda,
ReplyDeleteIl n'est pas facile de se mettre ainsi à nu, vous êtes bien courageuse. Dans la vie j'estime qu'on a pas à juger...
Je peux vous dire que je vous admire.
Une publication extraordinaire... Je vous embrasse affectueusement.
Gros bisous ♡
♥love the fox :)
ReplyDeleteLinda Elliott, I Really Really enjoy your Posts....
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for visiting my blog - I think we have met earlier but it's always nice to see each other again.
ReplyDeleteI think what happened to you in school has happened over here too and many kids have been saddened by this and believed that it really was like that. I think you are a strong person and it's nice sharing this with ut.
Love the films!
Aggie
Hi Linda, this post made me cry....it must have been difficult...very touching story and what a blessings to met caring people, kind help were offered in high school.
ReplyDeleteNice collection of videos! I love to dine at The Russian Tea Room. The Boreal chickadee video was fascinating.
Anyway, your my dear friend, Linda, and you know it !
ReplyDeleteWord by word you teach me more English, so... 'We' are not dummies...
The gag..., terrible !
Everyone has a story and I appreciate you sharing yours. You are an amazing woman and I admire you very much!
ReplyDeleteI am so sorry for what happened to you! I know there are a lot of people put in these classes who are really smart, but just cannot show it. Emotions and fear overpower their intelligence. But look how you turned it into an asset and learned such wonderful things from it. I know it must have been horrible frustrating.
ReplyDeleteI''d love to dine at the Russian Restaurant in New York. I bet it's pricey. The squirrel is cute on the golf course. I live near one in Gaspe and find golf ball all over. I think it is the Seagulls that carry them.
ReplyDeleteWhen I went to school, there was a Special Class. One of my brothers was in it. He was hyperactive child. As a result, he was bullied a lot. At that time, Learning disabilities were not defined as today, ADHD or ADD.
You are a very smart person today and probably stronger because of this.
Take care Thelma xoxo
@Forgotten, Linda, 'Oe ist' is a dialect and means 'How are you ?'...
ReplyDeleteNever give up, Linda!
ReplyDeleteBonsoir Linda , je passe te souhaiter une bonne soirée
ReplyDeleteBisous
Just popped over to say thanks for dropping by. I enjoyed your visit. I loved reading the positive quotes. Thanks for sharing them. Take care. xx
ReplyDeleteLinda, I loved reading your story and my heart goes out to anyone who is in that position. The bullying that comes out of that is even harder to overcome. So glad you are doing okay now. Your blog is a definite sign of your abilities.
ReplyDeleteThere were many times I would have been glad to have a fox run off with my ball to cover up the bad shot I had made:)
ReplyDeleteBonjour Linda, merci pour ce beau partage, tu es une magnifique personne!!! Bise et bonne journée tout en douceur!
ReplyDeletemy fiancee got put in a similar class because she is slower at learning.
ReplyDeleteI struggled in middle school and then I learned it was because I needed glasses.
Ahhh Linda, I loved your this shared story. You are so brave and you worked at the best to get where you are now. I am so sorry to hear that other children were laughing on you - they were just silly kids and I am sure you forgave them. I love you, sweetie and all your quotes and videos make me feel better. Much love, Liuba x
ReplyDeleteHappiness lies within - I have to remember this today.
ReplyDeleteI have to say Linda that this was such a beautiful post... I always liked you but after this post... I like you more!!! Thank you for sharing!!! Loved the quotes and the video of the fox was incredible!!!
ReplyDeleteEnjoyed your video on the chickadees. Just today at a friend's feeder I was noticing the difference in the Blackcapped and the Carolina. I have only noticed Carolina chickadees at my feeders. I'd love to feed them out of my hand. I may have to try that!
ReplyDeleteWas great to read this about you. How do you feel sharing all the personal posts with us?
ReplyDeleteSo true. In life, we have to give our best efforts. Then knowing that we have done our best, we achieve some inner peace and happiness too. Take care.
ReplyDeleteHi, Linda! Thanks so much for sharing from your past. I was in a similar position, and was most reminded of it by my family - "You'll never amount to anything" or "You'll never be as smart as your sister." and such things. Interestingly, I was scoring in the top 10% for the country by my junior year (11) in high school, and even higher in some other areas during the 1990s for women in my age range. I LOVE teaching others the little bit I've learned, and have found ways of reaching many folks when others cannot convey info effectively. Now I have cognitive problems due to disease process in the central nervous system, but it does not bother me as much as when I was a child. Perhaps we need certain issues in our lives to help us learn to cope and adapt, but in places of nurturing such as school and home, bullying and slander should not be a part of what people have to contend with. A little bit of encouragement goes a long way!
ReplyDeleteThanks for brightening my day today! hugs, de
Oh Linda...I can hardy believe what I've just read here!
ReplyDeleteHere are yet more similarities between us...I have suffered depressive illness all my life - and I was moved to a "progress class" in junior school, but overcame most of my difficulties by working really hard, and by the time I arrived at senior school was back in mainstream education.
It is such a comfort to know there is someone else who truly knows how hard it can be to rise above such difficulties.
Thank you so, so, much for having the courage to share such personal details of your life with us. It is so appreciated...:)
Lovely post Linda and sharing the personal things about yourself.
ReplyDeleteSo thank you for sharing. The Quotes are good and so true.
Enjoy your week. x
Hello Lind!:) I came over today to thank you for your last comment, and to say I like everything you post, and don't mind at all to save that extra bit of time to see all the vídeos, but it was nice of you to let me know what others do. I went to your most recent post and then just had to come to this one to start reading your story from the beginning. Thank you for sharing more about yourself, it was such a brave thing to do. Kindness and encouragment are how children thrive, and I'm so glad your teacher had these qualities. People who bully generally speaking, are lonely people, without friends.You on the other hand are such a caring person Linda, and will always have friends who care about you.
ReplyDeleteI saw, and enjoyed all the vídeos, but the sweetest was of the young fox.
Have a good day
Warm Regards.
You are such a strong, amazing woman, Linda. The more I learn about you and the powerful battles you've fought, the more I am in awe and inspired. Thank you deeply for speaking on such a tremendously private matter with us. I can imagine that this post (and your follow up one as well) will touch and matter to a great many people. We all have certain things we're leery of discussing online (or point blank) and it can be very empowering to draw the strength to do so, with some topics at least, through fellow bloggers who blaze a trail for us on that front, as you've done with both of your posts.
ReplyDeleteHuge hugs,
♥ Jessica
I know it cost you much writing about yourself, but it inspires many and I thank you for that.
ReplyDeletethe man who couldn't understand the map reminds me of myself:)