Today was substantial in the realm of significant days and life experiences. For Lauren. For me, too, as a parent, but only as a supporting role in her life story. Having followed up on her introspection and research, what she found, and allowed me to help initiate an appointment to evaluate, has resulted in a clinical diagnosis of CVI. This is huge, as it confirms her suspicions and reveals the paths she will follow next. It's not "good," yet it is, It's a starting point. The doctor, the very same one who performed her first surgery when she was barely two years old, indicated that we should also revisit some other parallel syndromes. And as far as this goes, she falls on the "lighter" side of severity. She has managed very well with her limitations, and she has only been working to understand them better during the past year. I am so impressed with her. She took me to see "Inside Out 2" tonight, and in the final scene, when the "sense of self" was made up of all the pro and con experiences, those which make us whole, human, flawed and l innately good, I thought of them both. They have each come into their own. I am stunned at times to consider the impacts of the last ten years and of their having lost their mom. I hope I have given them the stable foundation they need, including my learning to listen and not discount or dismiss. I anticipate a diminishing role soon. That seems healthy and natural, and bittersweet too.
