Take a moment now, to look ahead. The future may not be clear, but over time you will develop a vision. There is a lot of information in this guide, how you use it is up to you.
Many families have shared that they feel isolated at the time of diagnosis. Looking ahead may be difficult. You may feel fear or uncertainty. It can make moving forward hard. It takes time to adapt. Acceptance is a process. It is a process as individual and unique as every one of us.
It may mean accepting life as it is. There are some things you can change and some things you cannot. You will figure out what choices you have, because even though you may be angry and feel powerless, you do have choices.
You have a choice to surround yourself with people who help you. You can figure out ways to develop new traditions, and navigate the journey together, as a family. All families have the potential for resilience. You can maximize that potential by using your experiences to find meaning in everyday life.
Embrace who your child is. Help them become the best version of who they are – regardless of what that is, or how long they are here. Your child will have an impact on you and others. Your child matters. Love and enjoy your child. You may find that along the way, you become the best version of yourself. Do the best you can today, so that you can look ahead to the future with hope.
