"I suppose you would call me a late bloomer. In my formative years, I merely existed. In a world that has become obsessed with early achievement, taking your time to grow, to decide what you want, I believe is a benefit.
I knew I was struggling in school because my school work had no substance. So years after finishing school, and feeling guilty, I knew I had to find another way to learn. Distance learning could be achievable. I'm not happy because everything I have managed to achieve has come late.
Some of us need more time to develop, to realise our talents and although I was completely in the dark for some years, I wasn't prepared to give up. It took decades, but the nagging thought and question was, would I ever get to the point of knowing what was wrong with me? At the time, I could never have known, or foreseen how things would work out for me.
But being a late bloomer has its advantages. It stops us from potentially making mistakes and allows for us to think about what we want a little more, instead of rushing into things. It worked for me."
In your case there was good reason why you were a late bloomer and your difficulties in school, in particular must have been all the more noticeable as you had a twin who did not struggle.
That said you have certainly excelled yourself since, and have and continue to achieve great things, no doubt all part of a bigger picture mapped out for you.
There was a good reason for me, the sad reality my special needs went by the way side, and I continued to struggle and was judged even more, for being a non-achiever.
If you believe in the bigger picture like I do, you know things happen for a reason and as you say this is the reason. It makes it easier seeing what I have achieved now, but no child should have to struggle in this way.
I am grateful I had the mental strength. Without that I know I would have given up. There were days when it was a challenge, being challenged in this way.