People often ask me how, as a mother, I handle living with our son’s degenerative illness. Simply put, I’ve learned the biggest lesson of all – the fine art of surrender. Finally.

When Tristan was diagnosed, it was very hard to come to terms with how his life would play out: the continual loss of abilities, the surgeries, the on-going medical interventions and the fact that he would always need help the rest of his days. His abiity to work and play, and all simple pleasures, would be severely limited. Life as we knew it, anyway, was over.

It took a lot of years to turn it around in my head, ten years to be exact, and in that time, my physical and emotional health certainly took a beating, but eventually I came to a place of peace with it all. I learned my biggest lesson of all -  to surrender. To let go.

If you’re struggling with fear, chaos, anger or resentment, just try to let go, if only a little. Letting go is not irresponsible, nor does it mean you live in denail. Quite the contrary: when you let go, you are free to move into the heart of evey moment, with lightness, full awareness and with love. It doesn’t happen overnight – it certainly didn’t for me – but the Universe never gave up on me. And I’m so glad She didn’t.

Blessings,

karen and tristan