The Perfect Storm

Dear Addie,

After weeks of experiencing symptoms, undergoing tests, visiting hospitals, trying various medications, and pivoting on plans and strategies—along with losing nearly 20 pounds—we have finally received a diagnosis for what was going on. With persistence in seeking answers and the support of an incredible team of doctors, we now have a plan to get back on track and thank goodness because we were running out of time before more invasive measures were going to need to be done. Seriously though, is it nap time yet? I mean is family naptime a thing, because if it is i'm all in...But I digress.

Addie, when I say there is never a dull moment on this journey, I really mean it. If you had told me years ago that a perfect storm of anxiety would take over you, leading to Cyclic Vomiting Syndrome, causing you to lose a significant amount of weight and develop other internal complications—issues that could only be managed by treating the obvious symptoms and breaking the cycle of anxiety—I would have said, "No way! We are always trying to stay ten steps ahead of anxiety. That could never happen to us! I mean how could anxiety wreak that much havoc on someone that has so many people managing it so closely?" Well, never say never; because it has happened to us and it was like someone flipped a light switch where you barely had time to really comprehend what was going on.

Addie, this week we have finally started to see some much-needed improvements, and we are beginning to break free from the cycle of anxiety. With our symptoms becoming more predictable and manageable, we have decided to make our best effort to overcome this dreaded anxiety cycle by taking you to the one place you love the most—the beach where this week, you were supposed to participate in fun Surfing For Autism events. While we're still uncertain about your level of participation for obvious reasons, we hope that the salty sea air and sunshine will at least help calm your mind and body. I can honestly say that I have never been so grateful for doctors who understand autism and everything that comes with it while we navigating challenging times like these.

Addie, I am truly sorry for how the past few weeks have unfolded, and I apologize if you’ve seen me looking completely defeated during this time. Despite everything, we are all grateful to see that even after the craziest storms, the sun does indeed shine again.

Enjoy the sunshine baby girl. We all love you so very much and are beyond ready for you to have this all behind you.

Love,

Mom