I can, I will, and I shall find a way...

To all those who are struggling out there,

I can, I will, and I shall find a way…

I was taught this from my early days.

(it was) rough to tie shoes, or build with blocks: frustration

(it was) tough for my eyes and hands to talk: coordination.

right was left, and left was right

I had to focus, with all my might.

therapy from K through 8 would consume my evenings

from social and vision, to occupational and listening.

mom, dad, and teachers, and tutors and preachers

I made my decision: better precision.

encouraged to continue, I continued to say

I can, I will, and I shall find a way…

When my grades bounced around, self-esteem took a hit

but I always got up; I just wouldn’t quit.

gross and fine motor skills didn’t want to be friends

but I look at the world through a different lens:

while I couldn’t clip my nails, or bike on the trails,

there’s no way I would let this take the wind from my sails.

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my passions are strong, and I would pray

I can, I will, and I shall find a way…

Two weeks before my first day in ninth grade

everything clicked, I had not swayed.

the techniques and tools I had learned settled in

I was confident and tackled everything with a grin.

everything was alive, and exciting, and fun

I knew this new chapter had just begun.

from scouting and acting to getting straight A’s,

to working part-time, and earning top awards.

from singing and volunteering hundreds of service hours,

to being a swim team captain, I began to feel the rewards.

I found myself humbled, proud and well respected

I wonder how I got here? I reflected.

it all goes back to the special way

that my mom taught me to think, to feel, and to say:

I can, I will, and I shall find a way…

Sincerely,

Vincent Fedorko