Avleigh's Journey

Is there a such thing as bad luck? Or even a such thing as luck itself? People often look at their situation and immediately see the things going wrong. I got a flat tire today, my lunch order got mixed up, I could go on and on. But what about what went right? I made it to my destination safe, I have food to eat, I have a roof over my head… We often take for granted the small things in life. One taken for granted the most is our health, that is until something goes wrong. 

When Avleigh’s milestones were not reached we immediately started setting goals to get her to reach those milestone as quickly as possible. We watched other kids her age grow with such jealously. We were starting to focus on the things that she couldn’t do rather than the things she can do. Yes, this is just our human nature but to what extent is it okay to overlook the good? The things we were taking for granted… that beautiful smile, the contagious laugh and most of all the love that she has for us. She always has a glow in her eyes that could melt anyone’s heart! 

Taking us back to when we were sitting in that doctor’s office just waiting to hear those genetics test results. We had a mixture of feelings. Excitement to finally get the answers we had been searching for. Excitement to get a plan of action to help assist Avleigh in reaching those milestones we were still desperately holding onto. Then there was the fear. Fear that the results would be something that would not allow our family to become what everyone considered to be “normal”. Fear that things would continue to be out of our control. Then the doctors come in with the news. The negative in me saw the look on their faces and knew it was not going to be the good news we were hoping and praying for. They sat with us and explained the entire gene details and what the disorder could do. At this point were not sure exactly what we just heard. All we know is it’s genetically inherited, they have no information on it and it will give our baby girl a much shortened life. I can remember our conversations on the way home trying to figure out what we had just learned and how do we explain what we don’t know to our family. 

5 months later and I can say our little family is stronger than ever! Instead of dwelling on this so called “bad luck” we decided that we will focus on those good things. We will give Avleigh the best qualities in life. We will enjoy that big beautiful smile. We will laugh with her even when there is nothing funny happening. We will get her the equipment she needs to make her feel like she is a part of society. Anything to keep our family happy! 

When we look back at our days I can honestly say that we are making the best of it. Our girls are happy! Avleigh is happy! And the inspiration that Avleigh has spread throughout our community is more than I could have ever imagined possible. She’s touched so many lives and has made us so proud! She cannot walk. She cannot talk. She cannot sit unattended. She has a hard time using her arms. Sounds horrible right? None of those things bother her! Each morning she wakes with a gorgeous smile and wiggles and giggles with excitement! She’s made it through another day! 

So when you start your day and it doesn’t exactly fall the way you think it should, I pray that you see the good the situation! Make the choice.