It’s been almost a year since we started down this road and our journey to discovery and diagnosis of A’s Celiac disease.  I can’t actually believe it’s been almost a year – it feels as though the time has been so packed with emotion, illness, heightened states and learning as fast as we can, that the time has literally flown by.

A recently had a birthday, and it was a time to turn over a new leaf, and put his last year behind him.  And put it behind, we did.  As a family we came together to quietly celebrate in total gluten-free style, together, reflective and thankful.  A is facing a new year with new possibilities and a new-found sense of balance.  And it feels good.

Which brings me to Stage 5:  The Upward Turn.

It’s impossible to live in a heightened state all the time:  it is exhausting, both physically and mentally.  It is critical to achieve lows with the highs, and conversely highs with the lows.

This summer was a summer of regrouping; taking time to step back, de-gluten, and start getting clean.  A was able to adopt a truly gluten-free diet, post-endoscopy, and you could almost visibly see the weight lifting from his shoulders.  His whole persona got lighter, and with it, ours did too.

I guess this was the “upward turn” part.  And we were all more than ready to move forward, and turn upwards.  Our regrouping over the Summer allowed us to fact the Fall with maybe not a renewed energy, but at least a sense of peace.  I look forward to continuing the Upward Turn, and the start of a new journey as we truly begin to move forward together, positive and healthy.