In high school, my friend Michelle and I would write numerous notes to each other. One constant of the notes was a roller coaster we would draw with stick figures. Up and down our stick figures would ride in small boxes. Their arms were usually up and we would draw big oos for their mouths or occaisionally their entire bodies would be barely hanging on and flying off the carts. And yes, sometimes, the carts were empty with a small figure climbing up the wood lattice. High school was tumultous. Thatwas the point. Every day was a new drama or situation, but we were on the ride. You really can't get off. It is called life. For most people the drama and the roller coast ride subsides for the most part. For the parent of a child with special needs, the roller coaster ride really doesn't end. There are definitely moments where you feel like you are on top of the world and you are doing what lots of people can't or couldn't. You are taking something out of control and feeling excited, energized, and happy about the ride. Other days, you are climbing so slowly uphill with no end in sight, you just want to get off the ride and be done. It feels like it will never end and you are going to be stuck or worse, you are going to fall. And perhaps not ever get up. You will be trapped in this state forever. But then the law of physics kicks in and a body in motion stays in motion. I am a tad bit guilty of feeling overwhelmed and stuck, and sometimes hopeless. However, I am happy to report, there is always a new bend, turn, or even a hill that will get and keep you back on track so eventually you can enjoy the ride even if the next drop is around the corner.