i made salsa because leah has rett syndrome

really, i did. 

we went apple picking last weekend and decided to stop at a local farmstand on the way home to pick up some other produce. as we were in the checkout line, the checker handed leah a lollipop. i was busy paying, so i couldn't take the lollipop from him for her. i simply said, "she can't use her hands. i'm sorry."

he looked a bit confused and wanted more of an explanation. i'm never sure how much information people want, so i usually give them the short version unless they ask for more. too much information often makes people feel awkward and i walk away feeling like a circus freak. so, short version, i said, "she has a neurological disorder and is unable to use her hands in a functional way."

"oh," was all he replied. but he had a somber look on his face and you could tell the wheels in his head were turning. 

then he began to talk her her...an expecting a response from her in return. 

"she can't speak either," i explained. 

"what?! well, she'll be able to learn right?" 

not really in the mood to discuss things in great detail, i smiled and said, "not unless they find a cure."

the man was in shock. he had never heard of such a thing and was truly interested. we continued to talk about how she was born "normal" then digressed and what her future might look like. i handed him a purple card {more on that friday} and he seemed satisfied. as i was walking away, he said, "please. take these." it was a bag of peppers. all shapes, sizes and colors. 

i graciously accepted the gift because it was so kind, all the while wondering what in the world i was going to do with a ginormous bag of peppers. 

so, i made salsa. and it was yum. not the best i've ever had, but the first i've ever made solo and i think it was a success. i even whipped out the chopper for the second time since we received it for our wedding. and it made me wonder why i don't use it more often. that thing is awesome!

so, thanks leah. and thanks rett syndrome. because of you we could enjoy a nice, fresh batch of chips and salsa. how's that for some silver lining?