As we have tried to normalize our life, we have had to go through what I call a “coming out” process, explaining and exhibiting our differences to the world and hoping for acceptance and support.  We’ve learned a great deal about life, people, and ourselves through Kylie.

We learned of Kylie’s limb deficiency at our 20 week ultrasound.  What can I say, we were devastated.  Throughout the pregnancy, we worried about Kylie and what life would be like for our daughter.  After several ultrasounds, we were assured by Dr. Cohen and Dr. Womack that everything would be okay.  Kylie would be born without her right hand.  I will be forever grateful to them for the first spoken words about Kylie that were so encouraging and optimistic.  Although we appreciated all the positive viewpoints from friends and family, we wanted nothing more but to grieve for Kylie's hand.  We felt guilty about grieving for Kylie’s missing hand; however, we were told it was normal and okay to grieve the lost image of a "perfect child".   This is an experience that only time will heal.

We have concluded that our life with Kylie is a journey.  It’s a journey that Jason, Kylie, and I are taking together.  We’ve realized that it’s too easy to become obsessed with worries about the future.   We know that what life brings can be uncertain, yet we have found meaning and happiness in life, in our relationship, and in our daughter.  And while we don’t know what the future will hold for Kylie, we realize we can’t predict this for anyone, even for ourselves.  I realize that I have made certain foolish assumptions in my life.  And because of that, I have learned to try to appreciate all that surrounds me, as often as I can because there is so much to be amazed by and to be thankful for.