Happy birthday to my dear Kellyanne. I can’t believe it’s been 21 years. Like every mom, I can bring back the day she was born like it was yesterday. She was perfect! A beautiful baby girl. Years later, when she was diagnosed at the age of 3, I felt my world collapse. I felt helpless and despondent. It took a while for the reality of the situation to sink in. I remember an outpouring of love from many people. I remember talking to my Uncle Chuck, sitting on my kitchen floor, sobbing. I don’t remember exactly what he said, but it helped get me through. I remember cards and meals, phone calls and visits. I remember going to lunch with my friends Geri and Chris and again, while I can’t remember all the details, all of those things helped me through. I remember trying to predict the future..an exercise in futility. The years moved along, we adjusted to new normals along the way. Kellyanne was a shining light even through the darkness of her reality. Today, I still try to predict the future, more so than ever, now that she’s getting older (as are we) still, an exercise in futility. Together, our family makes it through. We still have an abundance of people who love us and Kellyanne. My sister, Susan and I FaceTime twice a day just to check in and we always talk about how kellyanne is doing. Over the past several months, these calls have been lifesavers! I couldn’t do this without my husband, Michael. Together, we are better! So here’s to Kellyanne. A beautiful young lady who teaches us that life is complicated, but 100% doable. As we maneuver through these difficult days, I look for glimmers of hope that one day we will accept with grace our new normal. Though I won’t stop trying to make it a little less intense. I love you you, Kellyanne. Happy birthday, baby girl. Love, Mommy.
