Before my Ehlers-Danlos diagnosis,
Athena and I bent ourselves around one another to sleep.

Before my ASD diagnosis, Athena helped me stim.

Before my sensory processing disorder diagnosis, Athena helped me focus.

Before my OCD diagnosis, Athena protected me from me.

Before I had caregivers, Athena cared for me.

Before we settled down, Athena traveled with me.

Before we had a home,
Athena was my home.

After she had Ruger Bear,
Athena had a backup.

After Athena passed,
Bear and I have each other.

-Maggie Slighte

February 26, 2023
11:11 pm