A P’TACH GRADUATE PRESENTS HONORS TO HIS PARENTS
ANNUAL DINNER JANUARY 1992
“Good Evening,”
My parents have always made it clear that my learning disability was a family challenge. They continually reminded me that I was never alone, and that “we were all in this together.” My parents have always been there to help me in every way: from homework assistance to financial support, from comforting my pain, to helping me find humor in my own shortcomings. They encouraged me to view my disability as a challenge that I had the ability to conquer.
They have committed themselves to the growth, survival and success of P’TACH so that not only I, their son, could be helped, but so that others would not have to experience the anguish that we had to endure, before there was P’TACH. My childhood memories are brimming with images of my parents’ unflagging assistance and support. I can see my mother helping me, when I was a young child, with homework that had seemed impossible. Somehow when she explained it, I could understand it with ease, but when the teacher explained it in class – it had seemed impossible. My mother just knew, and still knows, how I think. I used to call her “Morah Mommy”.
I see my father, during my high school years, dozing into his soup on Friday night, and his positive, selfless response as I timidly asked if he could spend some time on Shabbos going over my nemesis – Social Studies. He’d work with me for hours, sometimes actually falling asleep as we studied, but he never gave up, and he wouldn’t let me give up either.
When I think about all the tutors I have had, the testing, the counselling, the P’TACH tuition, and then try to estimate the total cost, I am staggered at the thought. I know my parents have denied themselves, taken loans, and used all types of creative financing to provide me with the support I have needed. Whenever I have tried to express my gratitude, they have always responded that they were grateful that they had the means to help me.
My parents have always been candid and open about my learning disability. They have never been ashamed, nor have they at owe me to be ashamed that I have this problem. When I was in P’TACH, I saw some kids drowning is self-pity, and others exhibiting enormous anger at everyone around them. My parents helped me to get beyond these very natural emotions and to take command of my life.
My parents have always emphasized that no mater how easy others may have found school, it is hard work, dedication and commitment that will bring success.
I am prepared to accept the challenge that Hashem has given me, and know that my parents will continue to do whatever they can to help the other children of P’TACH. It is with enormous gratitude, love, and respect that I present my parents with this Founder’s Award on behalf of all the children of P’TACH.