Let me start this post by admitting that I have written and rewritten, tweaked, hacked, chopped, and edited this post on no less than 100 separate occasions, since I originally started writing it in September, 2011.
(yes, September)
If I know just one thing, it is this: giftedness is not an easy topic to discuss; there are too many conceptions, misconceptions and opinions.
I finally determined that I’m never going to get this intro ‘just perfect’, and frankly, it’s been holding me back from so much that I want to write about this very topic (as well as the relaunch of the new layout and design), so I’m just going to close my eyes… hold my breath… and JUMP!
*peeking through squinted eyes to see if anyone is reaching out to hold my hand*
Since last spring, Randy and I have been on a journey of sorts, navigating our way through countless books, websites, articles and conferences to better and fully understand “giftedness” and all of its meaning.
In many ways, it can be a confusing and lonely journey.
A beautiful, chaotic, fun, intriguing, curious, lovely journey.
Without a map.
The more we’ve read and come to understand about our gifted children, the more we’ve come to realize that, despite the fact there is so much need for support, for a million and one different reasons, there isn’t much.
So often, what we were reading essentially concluded with “We know it can be difficult and challenging. Just love ’em. [long pause…] Good luck!”
Not much help when dealing with four children (and two adults… *hi!*) who all have emotional intensities.
So that is why we are starting this section on our site. We can’t document our lives and ignore how giftedness factors into it. It affects every moment of our day: from what we eat, to what clothes are worn, to how we end the day.
Our hope is that, in writing about the issues we encounter and the joys and successes we have, others will be able to relate in some way and lend a voice of support to any parent who is struggling with decisions and choices they are facing with and for their gifted child.
Our purpose in starting this section of our site is: 1) to be a resource and support for parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, siblings, teachers and friends, of gifted children, and any parent who is advocating for their special needs child and 2) to share our journey along this path.
We will eventually expand this section of our site to include a forum, various resources, tips and professional advice. The support community built around it will be named “The Hive” (I will explain why in another post. I promise!)
It’s gonna be cool. And we want you to join in and lend your thoughts and ideas.
We absolutely and wholly love, adore and cherish our gifted children, despite any frustrations and challenges, and we know that you feel the same way about your own precocious children. We’re so excited about this journey and seeing where it takes us.
We hope you find comfort and answers along the way as well.
