Day Trip

We took our first trip to the zoo as a family of four today. Personally, it was a breakthrough. Our time at the zoo embodied the type of activity I thought we would never do again after Celia's diagnosis. She used to be too uncomfortable. I used to be too sensitive to have her out with us, far from home and away from her medications.
It was safe at home, and our self-imposed solitary confinement kept us (read: me) out of the curious eyes of the public. You never know how it feels to be stared at until you experience it for yourself... and it doesn't feel good. I imagine most parents of chronically or terminally ill children would agree. And most might also agree that you eventually just get over it. You get over yourself. Celia doesn't know or care that people look at her and wonder what is wrong. And I don't care any more either. Our sanity is more important. Our need to do things as a family is more important. My ego can sit on a shelf.
"My daughter is terminally ill. Yeah, it's a terrible disease called Neuronal Ceroid Lipofuscinosis. You can learn more at www.bdsra.org. Now can you move over so we can see the bonobo throw some poop? Thanks."
This coming from a guy who doesn't like people at work asking him about what he's eating for lunch! But I'm learning to get over myself. Just another life lesson via my sweet little girl...

The real fun today was watching Tuck on his day trip. These photos document his first Hendrixian ride into the purple haze. He sampled the mushrooms in the "My House" adventure. I think that red one might have been "magic." Or maybe the camera was in the wrong setting....

Andy