Henry Winkler Changed My Son's Outlook After Dyslexia Diagnosis

Henry Winkler is well known to many as Fonzie on "Happy Days," and to others as Gene Cousineau on "Barry." But he's also known to the younger generation as the writer of the "Hank Zipser" series that chronicles the life and adventures of a young child with dyslexia. The actor/writer has been open and honest about his dyslexia diagnosis and in turn, has helped many others with the same diagnosis.

He recently gave some sound advice directed toward singer Kelly Clarkson's daughter River, 8, when he was a guest on her show earlier this week. When I heard this, it immediately triggered a wonderful memory I have of the time Winkler, 77, gave my son JD very similar advice.

Any time me or my son JD see Winkler on TV, social media or in the news, the first thing we automatically think about is the time we met him and how he changed my son's life tremendously. We met Winkler in July 2013, but the memories are still as clear as day, and the affect it had on my son is still prevalent.

JD, now 20, but 10 at the time we meet the actor, had been diagnosed with severe dyslexia after many years of testing and trying to figure out what learning disability he was struggling with. When he finally got the diagnosis from the neurologist of dyslexia, it was a weight lifted because now we finally know what to focus on. Before being diagnosed, it was like a shot in the dark and a lot of stressful moments.

Shortly after finding out JD had dyslexia, I read that Winkler also had it. And oddly enough, at that same time, I found out that Winkler was going to be appearing at a local restaurant in New Jersey for a meet and greet. So of course, I planned to take my kids to meet him. BEST idea ever!

We stood in line for a few hours waiting for our chance to meet him and every second was worth it. I told him that JD was recently diagnosed and explained the learning struggles he had. Winkler gave a moving speech to my son about never giving up, not letting anyone tell him that he can't or won't accomplish great things and to keep working hard. His words were moving and triggered a flame inside my son, who over time with his hard work and focus, completely overcame his struggles.

When diagnosed, the neurologist told us that my son would never read well and will never enjoy reading. (Yes, hearing that and the way he said it in front of my son was upsetting for many reasons.) But JD proved him wrong over and over. He finished high school as a straight A student with high honors, is about to finish college as a straight A student, (and about to receive an academic award in a few weeks) and hasn't struggled with reading in a very long time.

After meeting Winkler, we would occasionally tweet him some of JD's accomplishments and he would ALWAYS respond and sometimes even retweet it for his followers. This man deserves an award for being the kindest, caring, and most inspirational person, and I know my son completely agrees.

While a guest on "The Kelly Clarkson Show" earlier this week, Winkler and Clarkson, 40, talked about his success as an author of more than 30 children's books. This topic prompted Clarkson to talk about her daughter.

"I was driving my daughter to school yesterday, and she's dyslexic. And you have told me that you're dyslexic as well," she said. "I find that amazing, to tell my daughter that you've written like 40 books and you're dyslexic."

She also added that her daughter River, who's in second grade, was "getting bullied at school for not being able to read like all the other kids."

Clarkson said she didn't realize how common dyslexia actually is, and Winkler pointed out that 1 in 5 children are diagnosed with the learning disability. "She's part of the tribe," he said. He then shared a message directly for River.

"River! How you learn has nothing to do with how brilliant you are," he said to the camera, as Clarkson began to tear up.

I remember that tearful feeling well as Winkler offered my son motivating advice. And I would bet that River, just like JD, will carry that advice with her throughout her life and never forget it.