Dorothy Was Right

Dear Addie,

And then we were home.

No more IVs, NG tubes, tests, hospital gowns, or 2 a.m. vitals — we were home.

Home, with relief that the first round of tests showed nothing major behind the chaos consuming you. But that relief also came with a prescription for an outside-the-box theory — and a tightrope to walk. We left the hospital hopeful, but weary, as we’ve been here before. A natural reaction, I’m sure.

We’re seeing more smiles this week than we have in a long while — and yet, we still parent with hypervigilant care in this life where actions truly do speak louder than words. Every stim, tic, breath, and sound noted, as though we’re writing the narration of your life, all while trying not to lose our balance on this tightrope we walk, where one uneasy step could throw us back into 2 a.m. vitals.

This past Tuesday, you officially went back to school, a moment filled with such joy, but it was shadowed by the fatigue that follows your body and mind as it learns to adjust once again. I know, sweet girl — everything feels exhausting right now, and that can be so frustrating. But your strength is still there, just resting. Your energy will return, baby girl — promise.

Addie, this week was pretty low-key as we followed your lead, adjusting to life back at home and tiptoeing into your old routines. We may not have been able to click our heels together three times to get here, but Dorothy was right about one thing — there’s no place like it, especially when we’re all together.

Keep working hard and healing, Addie, you got this.

Love,

Mom