This Summer is Different

This summer is different.

Instead of sitting right next to me touching me in some way, she is sitting on the other side of the couch or even in a different room.

Instead of me insisting she make plans with a friend, she is making plans with friends then asking me if those plans are okay.

Instead of always having friends over here, she is off to their house for sleepovers.

Instead of going to bed at 9pm or sometimes before, she's staying up later than I can usually make it.

Instead of an empty pool, she's in it swimming and playing and splashing around.

Instead of me convincing her to go somewhere, she is asking to go places and to do things.

Instead of me forcing her to play cards to keep her Chiari brain focusing, she is asking to play cards.

Instead of never wanting to move, she is up and about and here and there.

Instead of wanting to rest and sleep, she is wanting to plan more and more summer stuff.

Instead of being so quiet, she is talking and laughing and joking and rolling her eyes.

Instead of being sick, she is healthy.

Instead of forcing herself to live, she is living.

This summer is different. This summer I have my girl back, albeit with a slightly new normal. She has color in her cheeks and energy in her soul. She is happy and light, and of course sarcastic. I wasn't sure I'd ever have this again. I know it might not last forever, so I'll take it while I have it. Thankfully, this summer is different.