The Territory

Dear Addie,

It comes with the territory. I say this a lot.

Lack of or cryptic language, social awkwardness, odd behaviors, and a vampire sleep schedule are a few of the “givens” when you receive a diagnosis for this journey. There seems to be a cauldron of defining traits, and each individual ladle full in their bowl looks a little different - one bowl might get more chicken and the other more noodles, but it’s all in the soup and (with the exception of a very few) traditionally soup is hot and has to be consumed with caution. We know this because - it comes with the territory, I mean it’s made using heat after all.

Terrible two tantrums - not every tantrum looks the same but we say, it comes with the territory.

Reclusive teenagers - growing up and navigating life & emotions can be a lot, it comes with the territory.

An untimely fix of something needing repair in your house comes with the territory of owning a home.

Everything has its version of a general bigger picture, even if it’s not exactly the same.

We’ve entered new territory in the last couple of months which required further medical testing, an ingredient so often found in our cauldron. A sad reality in our territory and an extra helping that no parent ever wants to be ladled.

Yesterday we spent 8+ hours at the hospital for testing. For an individual who often uses that infamous cryptic language, and doesn’t like people to be in their personal space (or brushing or washing their hair for that matter), an MRI and EEG were a true test for all involved.

Addie, yesterday was not an ideal way to spend our day, but it was one of our “comes with the territory” moments that needed to happen. Baby girl, you did amazing and even left everyone giggling at your response of “no fank you” when we tried to take off your super fluffy and cozy jammies to put on a thin, cold hospital gown. Was it all good? No, some of it was heartbreaking to be in the middle of, but you did it and now we just wait for answers – which also seems to be another part of our territory.

Addie, we love you the whole world full, and are so proud of how you did yesterday, especially working through some very stressful moments. We’ll figure all this out – promise.

Love,

Mom