Do you have things about you that are different? Disabilities, diseases, disorders? Some of the girls in our family do. It's not the main focus of our lives, and that's why most of the time we blog about other things - usually there's just not much to say about it. We wanted to share this, though, in case some of you can relate.
Molly has what is currently known as Asperger Syndrome. (The reason for this phrasing is that the next edition of the DSM, in 2013, may eliminate Asperger's as a diagnosis and include it in the broader diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorders.) Basically, her brain works a little differently from other people's, and some social stuff is harder for her. It also makes her very focused on her interests, particularly art in her case. Molly is what's called "high functioning." She goes to a regular school - actually she's in the gifted program - and participates in activities with her classmates. Sometimes people ask if Molly has friends; yes, she does. She has some extra challenges but for the most part she's just like any other girl her age.
Molly also has an eye disease called Keratoconus. The causes aren't known for sure but it's believed to be genetic. Basically, it's a degenerative disease of the cornea. She's going to need to get special contact lens, and someday she may need corneal transplants if it gets more serious.
Charissa has a hearing impairment. She is not profoundly deaf; she has some hearing. She does have to read lips in conversations, though. Charissa also has some minor learning disabilities, so she has to work harder in school to keep up.
Kaya is lactose intolerant so she has to avoid eating too much dairy. Not a big deal.
The other thing you've probably figured out is that a lot of us have some traumatic things in our past. That's kind of part and parcel of being foster kids. Most of us go to therapy to deal with that stuff. Like we said, it doesn't control our lives. It's part of who we are... but definitely not the total!
We don't want to keep this stuff secret because we don't think people should be ashamed. There's nothing wrong with being different. :-)
Love,
The Green Girls
We are one big happy, weird family! We blog as The Greens and The Roses, and write about the fun and often strange things that happen in our lives. Welcome to our adventures!
My brother, sister, and I all have a rare genetic disorder. As we like to say, "I have LFS, but LFS doesn't have me!" It's a huge part of who we are, but there are other things that are just as important to us.
ReplyDeleteMy brother has a friend who has Asperger's. I didn't even know he had it until he told me!
Taylor, it seems like your family has a really good balance. You take your health seriously (so you're clearly not in denial or anything) but you don't let it rule your lives. You guys have excellent ability to keep things in perspective.
ReplyDeleteLove,
The Green Girls
Thanks! We try *really* hard! Some days are harder than others though!
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