Whose to say what is normal?

Raising a little boy with a genetic disorder is tough. It's a wild ride with tons of ups and a few too many downs. We as a family deal with hospital stays, visits to a specialist and lots of re-thinking our decisions and how they will affect our son, London's disorder. London was born with a life threatening genetic disorder known as MCADD, Medium Chain Acyl-CoA Dehydrogenase Deficiency. To put it simply MCADD is a hereditary disease that is caused by the lack of enzyme required to convert fat into energy like it should. If detected early it can be managed with diet. People with MCADD cannot fast for very long. If they go too long without food their bodies go into metabolic crisis. If left untreated a person with MCADD can develop breathing problems, seizures, coma and even death. Early detection is CRITICAL. Once detected people with treated MCADD will lead healthy, normal lives. You can learn more about MCADD by going to:

http://bartelchronicles.com/about-mcadd/

London's condition has been relatively easy to manage so far. Sure we've dealt with some rough stuff but nothing that didn't make us stronger in the end. What really bothers me though is when people say "well is he normal" or "how normal of a life can he actually have"? WTH?!?! What is "normal" and who decides what is or isn't "normal"? London is an adventurous one year old who loves to climb, watch Mickey Mouse Clubhouse, eat like a true fat kid and he's got the happiest demeanor I've ever encountered. That sounds pretty "normal" to me. "Isn't he technically special needs?" Yes, yes he is but it doesn't damper how we live our day to day lives. Our little man is growing and developing just like any other one year old. His only difference is that we have to closely monitor his fasting times and diet. I have lots of friends raising children with Autism, mental issues, Celiac disease and many other disorders. Are they "normal"? You bet they are. Those children have the biggest personalities and what they live with is "normal" to them!

This sweet boy may not be living the world's standard of a "normal" life but he sure isn't missing out on anything. He stays up late just like his Mommy and sleeps in just like his Daddy. He eats endless amounts of yogurt and chicken nuggets. He laughs constantly. He is always trying to get into something he shouldn't just like a typical boy. He can't get enough of being outside. He adores animals and loves to watch them. He has traveled by car and by plane. He has been introduced to tons of wonderful things. I would love to challenge every one of you who reads this to think twice before you say what is "normal". My little London will always be our families own version of "normal" and we are extremely proud of that fact. Don't push your own "normal" on someone else. Their version is just fine!

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