I had planned for every possible question on every single slide … except one.

I drove to that practice so proud of us. Proud of this kiddo in my car that had become so responsible and prepped their own sports bag with equipment and shoes and water bottle. I began to relax and look forward to the next hour and a half where I would get to just sit and watch this child of mine do what they love.

I walked into the practice space and was met with three little words. Someone looked at me and said…

“Your daughter has an ultra-rare genetic mutation called NALCN gene disorder with variable contracture/CLIFAHDD syndrome”, the doctor shared through my iPhone.

“We recommend you and your husband undergo genetic testing to see who carries the gene for future family planning and generational knowledge.”

-Mom, they were pointing at a boy and laughing and then one of them said, “Ugh! He looks totally autistic.”

-Mom, they were talking about someone and kept using the “R” word over and over and over.

-Mom, what am I supposed to say??? I can’t just let them say those things!

I replied, “Yes, you can.”

A few years ago I was invited to speak to a group of young girls for career week. I asked what I should focus on – Types of pharmacy? Years of college? Residency options? Job opportunities?

The reply was, “Oh. You’re a pharmacist? We wanted you to come speak about being an author.”

“You were not selected.”

In a copy and paste email that epitomized the classic compliment sandwich, I was rejected.