Diagnosing Mary

Back around the end of May, I posted a review of the very popular book “The Unnamed” by Joshua Ferris. I was never able to decide whether I loved this book or not, but it did lodge itself into my mind for weeks. What would it be like to be afflicted with a disease or a neurosis that had no name? Without a name, you would not be able to receive adequate medical assistance, find comfort from others suffering from the same issue, and always be on a mission to find answers.

This predicament touched me personally, and is probably why the book stayed with me all this time. I have two friends with children that are suffering from an “unnamed” affliction. I watch them, year after year, searching for answers, searching for the right medications, the right schools. I am constantly in awe of my friends’ strength and determination to do right by their children. One of these friends, Marianne, recently decided to start her own blog, in hopes of finding others like her, and for some good old-fashioned therapy of getting her hopes and frustrations out of her head and in print.

Marianne’s daughter Mary has had her issues since birth. It started with speech and physical delays, and progressed from there. Does she have Austism? Aspergers? OCD? Hypotonia? ADHD? Not exactly, but she has symptoms of each. She is a happy, kind and loving child, but she suffers from anxieties, has no ability for even simple math, and doesn’t understand socially acceptable behavior.

If you know someone out there that might be interested in Marianne’s journey with her daughter Mary, or are interested yourself, head on over to her blog Diagnosing Mary. I know Marianne would greatly appreciate the support!