This is Us…

This is what you might see on the surface when you look at us…A “perfect” nuclear family – husband, wife, son, daughter – who love each other deeply. We have been married for 16 years and together for 23 years. We are college educated professionals, who also make time to volunteer with scouts, PTSA and sports. We own a comfortable home in a good neighborhood. We are active members in our church and in our community. Our children do well in school and participate in in a wide variety of extra-curricular activities. We travel often and do our best to provide our children with a wide variety of life experiences. If I’m being honest, it is a good life and we are actually quite lucky.

What you don’t see is…a son who struggles daily with anxiety and a sensory processing disorder, and the effect that has on not just his well being, but also on the family.

What you don’t see is…a son who is increasingly unhappy, agitated, and withdrawing from the people, places and activities that used to bring him joy.

What you don’t see is…the ever growing list of specialists the parents consult in an effort to figure out the problem and help the son.

What you don’t see is…the stress and exhaustion of the parents.

What you don’t see is…the daughter who knows something isn’t right, and tries her hardest most days to be understanding, but doesn’t always succeed.

What you don’t see is…the mom who has fibromyalgia, but isn’t taking the time to care for her own physical well being.

What you don’t see is…the mom who often feels unsuccessful in balancing work, kids, husband, and volunteering.

What you don’t see is…the dad who struggles with being thousands of miles away from his own aging parents.

What you don’t see is…the dad who feels guilty when he has to travel for work.

What you don’t see is….how we are all struggling to not lose ourselves or each other.

What you don’t see is…we are all a little broken.

We are all a little broken – and we have love and faith and stubborn streaks that win out when the days get hard.

We are all a little broken – and we can still laugh.

We are all a little broken – and we will get through together.

We are all a little broken…