Demetrius Watkins here.

Things haven't really gotten much better.  I still continue to struggle in school and in life overall.  I never knew that letters, words, or symbols could make my life a virtual hell, but that is how it is for me.  I cannot read much above a kindergarten level and write just about as bad.  I have severe learning problems that makes it difficult for me to learn how to read or write.

I have to have other people do my bidding for me.  I tell them what to say and they do it for me.  If I were to do it it would look like a very little kid was doing the writing instead of a fifteen-year-old teenager.  My parents have taken me to just about every special school or doctor there is to see if they could get help with my problem, but all that happens is I get frustrated, and I quit.  Happens each and every time.  I don't have patience when it comes to reading or writing.  Never have, never will.

I am failing in all my classes.  I am about ready to drop out of school.  The kids, all they do is make fun of me, call me a retard and tell me I shouldn't even be in school 'cause I'm as dumb as a box of rocks.  Maybe I am, I don't know, but I've always struggled in school.  There has been no year that has been what one would call "good": all my years in school have been horrible at best.

I would rather play basketball or play with my video games than to bother with words, letters, or symbols.  It's my escape from reality.  I know I can't live in a pretend word all the time, but real life hurts.  It's just too painful for me.  

If I had one wish for the new year, it's always the same: to be able to read or write like anybody else.  Maybe then I could have a good life and be happy and have a chance to succeed just like anybody else.  Meanwhile, all I have to look forward to is more schooling, more headaches, more homework, and more doctor's visits.  UGH!!  Just say some prayers for me, on my behalf; I could really use some huge miracles in my life!  Thanks!

~X (Demetrius).  :(

~To be continued!~