[reason 47] fifteen

Onyx turned fifteen today. I'm so glad they're here. 

Over the past year, they have spent more time in doctor's offices and hospitals and dealing with their chronic medical conditions than a teenager should. They've spent more time advocating for themself than any person should have to. They've had amazing times and horrendous times.

They discovered incense. Our house now smells like my college dorm room.

They've gotten to spend time with a fellow amazing human being, who just makes their entire spirit glow. 

They've gone on adventures, acted in a play, and spent time with family and friends.

I could go on and on about all the fantastic things my child has done and experienced, but the truth is that every single photo in this post is a photo of a person who is struggling just to get through each day. They deal with tics interrupting everything they do, dysautonomia impacting every moment of their day between the chronic tachycardia and episodes of syncope. Their hEDS and FND affect their mobility, and we've yet to find a doctor who will prescribe mobility aids even though they absolutely need them to participate in life. They are in pain every moment of every day and struggle with anxiety. 

Onyx amazes me every day. They work harder than anyone I know just to exist. They run a marathon a day thanks to tachycardia, dislocate joints on a regular basis, never know when they're going to pass out, live in pain, yet still muster up the energy and wherewithal to laugh and love and create and experience and celebrate and thrift shop and pet puppies and spend time with the people they love. 

I'm so glad they're here. 

And, Onyx, if you're reading this... 364 days and counting...

I love you so very much. I'm glad you're here.