Just like everyone else

 

Sometimes it's hard to be 'just like everyone else.' People try so hard to be different, to stand out, to get a new look, a different tattoo that expresses their originality- but for me- it's pretty magical to be just like everyone else. 

The grass is always greener on the other side, I guess, and although I do love that Dr. Seuss quote- why fit in when you were born to stand out- this week I was simply thrilled to fit in! 

 

I attended my first days of preschool this week and I fit in just fine. I walked typically- kudos to my amazing nanny and physical therapist. I held my pencil well and drew some letters in my name- kudos to my nanny again for working with me so often and to my occupational therapists. I even drew a belly button on a picture of myself. I was able to communicate with my friends, with pretty typical speech thanks to my speech therapists and was able to follow directions, somewhat. My teacher told Mom I was a little stubborn and had my own ideas about what I wanted to do, but that's kind of understandable since I'm the boss at my house.  I ate the snack that was offered, just like the other kids,  and was thrilled everything doesn't taste like metal any more. Chemo is nearly a distant memory- but not for mom. She still remembers all that cancer stuff. 

She stood in the corner just amazed - neither cancer nor my extra chromosome kept these fun and beautiful days from me.  My teacher welcomed me with open arms and the other kids, moms and dads too. The big kids in all the grades welcomed me too with waves and big smiles. Today was a magical day, it was my first solo day, and my academic career has officially begun- and I was excited just like everyone else, healthy, happy and ready to learn. 

I sat in a circle and listened to the stories my teacher told, just like everyone else. We prayed together and played together too. I even used the restroom- alone- mom didn't know I could do that. I wore a pull-up to school, just in case, but I tossed it in the garbage can when I got the chance and I'm proving to myself that I can be just like everyone else.

 

Now, I know I'm a little different. I may have more than a little something extra. This month is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month and I have a cancer history. I have to watch out for side effects of the chemo for years and years to come. Next month is Down syndrome awareness month and we can celebrate my little extra chromosome then. 

But, for now we will celebrate my "more alike than different" status, because in the end we're all God's children- each with our own unique gifts and somethings-extras, but we're all alike in His eyes- worthy of the same love- exactly the same and exactly as bountiful. 

 

Here's to a great school year. May you too know that you're just just like everyone else.