"Well if I know you like I think I do, you will know everything there is to know by this time next week" - Megan

I have to say a big "Thank you" to every single person that has offered words of encouragement, prayers for my family, or even hugs throughout all of this. Friends I have not spoken to in years, new faces that are simply mutual friends, and people that are friends of friends are reaching out from all around offering advice, prayers, and words of comfort. Please know that every single one of you has been a part of getting me to today.

It is funny to me, really, how strong everyone sees me. I do know that I can handle a lot, and hold my head high through it, but I tend to forget just how well I manage through chaos and heartache. Sure, I break down and shed a few tears through trials, but I don't see it as a sign of weakness; I see it more as a sign of release. It is similar to a bottle of soda. When the pressure is going to cause the bottle to explode, you twist the top to relieve a small amount of pressure, and it allows the bottle to take a little more. That is how I deal with situations like this. I stay strong and visibly held together, then I relieve a little bit of pressure/tears, and tighten back up and pull myself together.

From my major freak out moments about not knowing a single thing about autism, to mental breakdowns where I am punching cabinets and screaming that I just cannot do it, to doubting myself and my abilities to provide the patience deserved by Roman, to blog after blog about diets that could help and vaccines that could be responsible..... you ALL have made this battle bearable.

The people surrounding me through this are 100% responsible for me even being able to "relieve some pressure without exploding", and for you ALL I am eternally grateful.