Diagnosis As Perspective-Changer
I remember a particularly harrowing appointment where we were really struggling. After much discussion about what was happening and how to put a plan in place, the doctor drove home how what we were dealing with was an illness.
In the dark days where it feels like I can’t take a breath, I need to be reminded that what we are facing isn’t just some strange circumstance, it’s a real thing. With a real name. And in our situation, there are a few real things with different names. All of them very real and important to acknowledge.
The doctor reminding me of that changed my perspective. We are fighting a real beast here, and it’s terrible and it’s hard.
I know there is something to be said for not labelling things, and kids themselves in particular. I agree that someone’s diagnosis shouldn’t define who they are. I pray it never will for my boys.
For me, on those hard days, having a diagnosis reminds me that it’s not just us. There are so many others dealing with this too, that they have created a name and a list of commonalities to describe it. It gives me comfort. It’s real.
I wish when our oldest was first diagnosed that I would have known a lot of things, but how to process and make sense of receiving a diagnosis is number one on my list.
There are 8 things that are constantly in the back of my mind, even now, years after diagnosis, and dealing with a second child’s diagnosis.
If you are in this same boat that I am, I pray that this list might bring you some clarity and comfort as you navigate this new journey. And if you are miles ahead of us already, using these journalling prompts to check in might be helpful to make sure you’re headed where you want to go.
