When I was twelve weeks old, I flew across the country to meet my forever human. Her name was Amelia and though she had sisters, SHE was mine from the start! I was originally brought in to help with PTSD after the tragic loss of her father, but little did I know that a health crisis was looming and that I would play an important role in helping her navigate the last 18 months and her journey for answers.

When I first arrived, we bonded instantly. I was there to support all three sisters, but Amelia and I had an extra-special bond. Perhaps it was a premonition of how much she would need me in the near future.

I take my emotional support job very seriously.  I always know where each sister is, and I will go check their rooms to be sure they are ok. The best is when I gather all the girls together in one giant hug. They tell me how much the love me and I kiss each of them to show that I understand and love them back.

About 18 months ago, Amelia woke up one morning and could not get out of bed. It took over a year to get any specific health  answers and during that time, I was her best friend. She rarely left her bedroom. As you can imagine, it gets pretty lonely in there. If you opened the door you would find us snuggling, sleeping, watching Netflix, scrolling social media, procrastinating doing schoolwork, texting with her friends, or even chatting. I have a specific “talking voice” that is not a bark.  I use it when she speaks to me and I want to answer. We have regular conversations about life, her fears, her angst, her dreams and the future.

She’s an amazing, smart, beautiful and strong human. My deepest hope is that the doctors will soon find answers that get us out of that bedroom and exploring the world (or at least the neighborhood) together again.