Photo taken by contributor AJ King, a single mother, photographer and paralegal in Manchester, NH. Her daughter was diagnosed with ADHD almost two years ago, when she was 5. At first, she did not want to believe that her daughter had ADHD. AJ wanted nothing more than for her daughter to be “normal,” which she had felt she was, just a little more hyper than other children her age. She came to accept that she does, in fact, have ADHD, that does not, however, mean she is not “normal,” nor is there anything “wrong” with her. Her daughter takes medication so that she is able to focus at school, she does yoga to calm down, and, has a therapist she talks to once a week. Her daughter has had to overcome a lot in her short life, but she is doing it, with the help of her parents, family, and friends. AJ does not want her daughter’s ADHD to be a hindrance for her. She wants people to understand that even if someone has a mental illness, it does not mean they are a bad person, or that they should be feared. Rather, they should be loved, just like everyone else in this world. AJ has been interested in photography for as long as she can remember, and despite everything, she is finally realizing her dream of becoming a professional photographer.

About this photo: “This photograph was taken last Spring at Lake Massabesic. Massabesic, as it is called here, is one of my favorite spots to go fishing, and to photograph. I find when I am there, I am at peace. I hope that others find peace in this picture, as well.”

_____

**Visit Broken Light’s main gallery here. Currently accepting submissions.

*Like us on Facebook & Twitter. Follow below for e-mail notifications.