First steps

I'll never forget the moment where the reality of diagnosis began to sink in. Through the fog of disbelief a thousand questions began clamoring for attention. Among the few that rose to the surface:

What does all this mean?
What does the future look like?
Will we be able to handle all this?
Where do we go from here?


Through the weeks and months that followed, I wrestled with these questions and fear of what the future would be like. My highly creative and active imagination provided much fuel for the fire and it was not an easy time. Through this, however, a phrase began to take hold and grounded me in the moment:

While a diagnosis provides a framework for dealing with a particular set of circumstances, it does not define who we are or what we are capable of.


It is helpful to have a framework in order to understand, and effectively manage, the things that life brings our way.
It is not helpful to be limited by a definition or a label.

This brought a tremendous sense of freedom as we began to seek out a balance in our circumstances. Each of us has potential, and it is a joy to share in each other's journey. Milestones became celebrations rather than looming goals to attain. Laughter returned, a healthier perspective set in. The diagnosis became a tool rather than the rule. It was a big step toward acceptance and an abundant life.