All, thanks for being such a great community of support through your comments. How fun to have comments from so many new readers, too (who I assume found their way here because of Carmen). I have to conclude that Halfway to Normal's first guest post was a big success! Look for another one soon, and keep thinking about what you love most in life, and why.

Carmen, thanks so much for sharing this piece of your life in such an honest, moving way. I loved being able to share this space with you. This story, in particular, was a perfect fit for Halfway to Normal, because it blends so many anomalies and challenges so many stereotypes. It's all about claiming who you are rather than adhering to norms and expectations, which happens to be one of the things I love so much about you. :)