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The Same Kind of Normal

Decannulation has been a topic of conversation at our house since my cousin's son was just decannulated.  (Yes, Caleb knows what decannulation is.  He also knows about sterile water, suctioning, apnea, and a vast array of other things four year olds don't typically know.  Can we chalk it up to life experiences?) 

Anyway, back to decannulation.  Caleb was musing about what life will be like when Abby is decannulated, and he said, "Then she'll be normal, like Anna."  (Anna is his cousin who is just 10 weeks older than Abby). 

Yep, struck a nerve!  You all know how much I hate the "normal" term.

But, he's four.  And he doesn't know what he's really saying.  How could I be upset with him?

So I took a deep breath, sat down next to him, and used this as a teachable moment.  I explained that Abby is normal, that there is really no such thing as "normal," and that everyone is different anyway.  I told him that Abby is her own kind of normal and that we need to appreciate Abby just the way she is instead of comparing her to someone else.

His reply was, "Yeah, but when she gets her trach out, she'll be the same kind of normal as Anna." 

Out of the mouths of babes!  :)

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