No longer a teen. 20 years old.

Thank you to everyone who wished Ivey a very happy 20th birthday. She was absolutely giddy with those who sent her recorded messages to listen to! Thank you for knowing her so well and the way into her heart, your voice…….even when I have to text you to let you know she now wants “The Wheels on the Bus.”…and you send it Brooke Ann!

She can be a bit demanding….

It has taken a village, you are our village. Thank you.

For Matt and I, we celebrate her every year with gusto. This year it felt even more so. There is an emotion, a quiet accomplishment, a semi-checkered flag, maybe an exhale of sorts. There are no words. Just emotions.

Matt and I are in a small club no parent ever wants to be. Specialists all trailed off in those early years with the words … maybe she will survive until childhood. Heavy to know- to not know. We were told Ivey’s first day of life, she most likely would not make it through the night…that night turned into a week…a year….into childhood…then teen years, teen years gained Ivey many compliments from the specialists with her from birth.

Amazement- her neurologist’s face says it every visit- he is my favorite. He tells me often how unbelievable she is- he tells Ivey- he often says- I’ve seen her brain …. Everything about her shouldn’t be. He glows when he says it. She grins- it’s the world greatest compliment. He also credits her parents- he is the one human from whom I accept the praise. I know he is medically the key player in Ivey and keeping her on this Earth.

20 years ago a clock started ticking- it was loud back then. These days we only hear the clock when medical needs raise their heads. Yesterday- we crossed into a realm no doctor or medical expert ever mentioned- ever thought possible. Today we are an era of new possibilities. A place that medical conversation dare not go. She is 20. It is freeing. A world lifted from our shoulders yesterday. We exist now in a realm with no predictions, odds, or stats…Just shooting for the stars.

Look at her being all 20 and sassy, and healthy!!!! Matt says she gets her hardheadedness from her momma- I’ll take that compliment.

Off to the Magic Kingdom. They are waiting on a princess.