When we got Liv’s diagnosis a year ago in July, that month was spent crying, celebrating the new baby, and learning everything possible about Sanfilippo. I spent most of the month in the house, wanting to hide. We were home to Central Il the beginning of the month, but the majority of the time was spent in devastation. I can remember one of the first ventures out of the house. It was a trip to Target with just Livia and myself. It was in the beginning to middle part of August when all of the back to school “stuff” was out. I remember watching all of the parents with their children shopping for all of their new school supplies with lists in hand. A particular mother and daughter caught my eye. The little girl was so excited looking at all the backpacks. I can remember watching her with tears in my eyes thinking I’m never going to experience this with Livia, and maybe not Finley. (At that time we didn’t know the results of Finley’s test). I wanted so badly to have this experience with Livia. I wanted to hear her excitement, hear her voice. I wanted her to tell me her excitement about school. At that time I thought life as I knew it was over. I was so heartbroken over a simple situation such as back to school shopping. Well, this weekend I’m going to get to enjoy something I never thought I’d get to experience with Liv. We are going back to school shopping. We are so blessed to live in a great school district. Livia is going to receive speech therapy, OT and PT right at the school. This is HUGE for her. For a school to house all of these therapies and therapist is such a blessing. I really feel God directed us here for a reason. When we talk to Livia about school she gets so excited. She starts talking (in Livi’s talk) about teacher’s, the bus, friends, and a BACKPACK! I’m so excited, and nervous, for her. This is going to be a big adjustment for all of us, but a good one. I’ll post first day of school pics when that day arrives.