Hasta la vista 2010

Today marks the beginning of the last week in 2010 and I have to be honest that I am so excited for this year to be over.  It has been a year of such extreme highs and lows, often in the same day.  I have never experienced anything quite like 2010.  The first two weeks we were anxious for both the news of Reagan's bloodwork for Rett Syndrome and our second born baby girl.  As luck would have it, both of those things would come within 24 hours of each other and be the start of a year where I did not know whether to cry with overwhelming sadness that my oldest daughter has Rett Syndrome or laugh with delight over our new bundle of joy.

Throughout the 350 days that were left in 2010 I learned to cope as best as I could.  I cried when I  needed to, laughed as much as I could, and relied on my friends and family to give me the strength and courage to face each day.  Speaking of friends, I have made some wonderful new friends that I have no doubt will be part of my life forever.  I have also lost touch with some good friends and reconnected with some old friends.  I have witnessed first hand the compassion and caring as loved ones, friends and strangers gave generously to the numerous Rett Syndrome fundraisers.  I have had the luck of having great therapists for Reagan that first entered our house with little to no familiarity with Rett  Syndrome but quickly learned from Reagan and other sources to become her biggest advocates as well as dear friends.

I have watched as Reagan slowly lost skills such as using her hands in a functional way so that she can no longer feed herself while her baby sister sits in a high chair next to her and masters the pincher grasp to put small morsels of food in her own mouth.  Again, just a mix of emotions.  I have held my girls tight as the news of yet another child with Rett Syndrome has passed away.  I have asked for a miracle so that no other family has to endure the pain of hearing the diagnosis or bear the thought of losing their baby too early.

I am not foolish enough to believe that 2011 will not be a year of ups and downs.  I know it is all just part of life.  But, I am hoping for a year of less pain and more laughs.  One that brings a balanced level of both acceptance and perseverance in coping with Rett Syndrome.  Let the countdown for the New Year begin!