I am a single mom of 3 kids, the oldest being 13-yr old
Nikolas.
Lieutenant Commander Nik has Asperger’s Syndrome, and along
with it, a very deep interest in few things at one time.
Right now, it’s Star
Trek.
Nik is brilliant… when he can focus. At mid-term, he was
getting a “C” in math, which he blamed on distractions. I don’t like my children to lean towards blaming or
excuses and I challenged him to overcome it.
His previous math teacher let him use headphones and that worked before, he needs to do it again!
The next day he posted a picture of
the Aug 9-12 Las Vegas Star Trek Convention on the fridge and turned to me
without saying a word. I took a moment, looking into his emotionless face. I thought I may be able to figure out a way to put
a road trip in my budget, so I said, “A.” He replied, “Done.”
He has been going to a charter school for kids with
Asperger’s for the last 5 years and they don’t offer all the classes of public
school and he just isn't getting challenged anymore. He recently informed me
that he has learned everything he needed to from the charter school and is
ready to go to public school next year in order to take harder classes.
School ended the 1st of June and I got his report
card in the mail earlier this week. He didn’t get the “A” and I can’t let him go to the
convention.
He’s devastated and quit talking.
Late one night from his room, he text me
picture after picture of all of his charter school friends. Then a picture of his ultimate hero, Wesley Crusher, whom I don't believe was going to be in attendance at the convention, but I was still heartbroken!
He was making such
great progress and I really can’t allow him to fall backward!!
His birthday is August 26th. I want to bring the "convention" to him on Saturday the 25th and have a big Star Trek party with all of his friends from the charter school and new
potential friends from the public school.
Sure, I could spend my road trip budget on Trekkie items, but it's not going to replace actually meeting his heroes!
The next best thing is something from a cast member... A picture, an autograph, a prop, or more importantly, a note of encouragement… it would be just what he needs to stay motivated and put the convention on next year's calendar!
He’s such a good kid!! He is kind and considerate. Being the
oldest and the only boy in our family, he is becoming the “Man of the House”
and takes it very seriously!
Thank you for taking the time to read this and thank you so
much in advance for anything you can do!
Sincerely, Nik's Mom
Please contact me at: chrishatch9979@gmail.com
