Celebrating My Sister – My Hero in my ADHD Journey
Fourteen years ago, I sat cross-legged on the floor of my living room in a small apartment in Albuquerque. I held the phone to my ear, my sister, Cindy, on the other end. Two passionate women, a lot alike, our relationship could go hot or cold. With my recent marriage, we had more in common and were forging a new connection.
We shared a lot about relationship challenges, the good and the not so. That day, the focus was mine more than hers. I’d been married a year and didn’t understand why things were so hard. My husband and the weekend were a few days away. I shared how hard it was to talk with him. If we spoke different languages it wouldn’t have been easier. He just didn’t get me or . . .
She was abrupt when she stopped me. Not the interrupt we both did and were use to. She just stopped me mid-sentence. “Do you think what made things hard could be ADHD?
I sucked air with indignation. I had kids in and out of my office I’d diagnosed with ADHD. With keen clinical skills, I told her she was nuts! Taking a breath herself, she reflected on the similarities between my stories and the experiences she and her husband had been challenged with. They’d both been diagnosed and for nearly a year treated for ADHD. She spoke gently, atypical then for either of us. My heart began to open. With her assertion, they were doing better, I began to listen.
Cindy was an incredible support. She took time to walk with me through a lot of the challenges. The greatest blessing of this journey to date was the beginning, shared with her. She had not just knowledge and understanding. She got me. She was me. By that I mean she was bright and frustrated. And, she wouldn’t quit even when she wanted to. I’m grateful to know many women like that, now. And, today, I’m grateful she was the first, at a time when I had no idea what to look for.
So, on this day, January 14th, I celebrate my sister. And, I celebrate the brilliance that comes through experience, sharing, support and love. Thank you Cindy.
Wishing you a Happy New Year.
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