A new normal

Facing challenges in life, no matter what the circumstances, forces us to reevaluate certain aspects of our lives.  Most of us can recall a particularly challenging situation that changed us in some way, whether big or small.  Most of us can look back on something that at the time seemed to rock our world, yet in hindsight, we were able to find some sort of lesson learned from that situation.  In addition to all the other life lessons we've learned, what I've come to realize over the past year is that our lives have changed dramatically from what we thought would be our "normal."  Yet, who's to say what "normal" really is in most cases?  What I've learned, in hindsight, is that we have a new normal; a new normal that consists of 1-2 hours of therapy per day, almost weekly doctor visits, hospital stays, etc.  A year ago I was so overwhelmed by the thought of these things.  How could we manage daily therapies for Luke, while still providing Jackson and Olivia with the time and energy they needed?  How could we manage dealing with the hours upon hours of doctor calls, appointments, and such that had already consumed us by last year at this time?  How could we possibly give Luke all the extra care and energy he so desperately needed, without neglecting Jackson and Olivia in some way?  All of these questions loomed in my mind constantly and kept me awake at night.  

Now, however, I've come to accept our new normal.   It just is what it is.  Therapists coming in and out of our home is just part of our normal routine, and I actually look forward to their daily visits.  Thankfully, we have some great therapists with whom I really enjoy talking to.  Doctor appointments and hospital stays have become so routine for us that while we were away in Santa Barbara last weekend, Jackson told Grandpa Mike and Grandma Sue that we were "at the hospital celebrating our anniBersary."  It almost doesn't phase us anymore when Luke's doctors tell us he needs this or that procedure done. Fortunately, our doctors have all been fantastic about coordinating their busy schedules so that Luke is under anesthesia less often, and he will go in for another "3 for 1" on October 14.

Our ENT doctor and pediatric surgeon will perform a few different minor procedures.  Following the ENT's procedure, Luke will go back to audiology to be fitted for his new hearing aids.  When we went back for his hearing assessment, it was confirmed that he has moderate-severe hearing loss in the left ear, for which he will definitely need a hearing aid.   He will likely need a hearing aid on the right ear as well, but we will know for sure after his procedure and some further testing.  At first, I wasn't happy that he was going to need hearing aids, which seemed like just another obstacle he'd have to overcome...another reason for kids to look at him differently.  However, in my efforts to focus on the positive, I remind myself that hearing aids are just a minor bump compared to everything else he's dealt with.  More importantly, I know they will only help his progress in a variety of ways.

We are managing our new normal, just as everybody does when life throws you that unexpected curveball.  Now that Luke is more medically stable, we can focus on his progress and development.  Most of all, we can focus on being a family.  It's hard to believe a year has already come and gone since our "new normal" seemed so daunting.  Now, thank goodness, it's not so new anymore and definitely not as daunting.  It just is what it is...life.