I’m still wrapping my head around the incoming changes. I have always had my family as my true north at the end of the day, thinking of them often when I’m feeling anxious, sad or weak, knowing they love me and believe in me. Knowing it’s an incorruptable bond that is not mine to break but to cherish and nourish. No compass required.

Now we’re going to have another member, a furry four-legged member who can help me be more of the joy my family is for me. To know if we go out somewhere busy or chaotic they can just be there and know that I will be too seems magical. To see them excited for me and to have a dog in our family is magical. To know I’m finally taking one of those big steps they believe me capable of is magical because I believe me capable too now.

I can’t wait to walk the dog with my kids, play, do community exposures alongside them and watch them champion the merits of a service dog to strangers as only a child can. There’s so much I almost still can’t believe it’s happening. Pinch me.