First let’s talk about the difference between a service dog and an emotional support animal (ESA).  ESAs are not permitted in public.  Many people get doctor’s notes from their mental health professional for an ESA when they rent and their landlord’s don’t permit animals.  ESAs are good for those that require emotional support and comfort.  They are granted access to fly in the cabin of an airplane per the Air Carrier Access Act.  Because of this, it’s important that an ESA is well behaved in public.  An ESA is not a pet.  Neither is a service dog.

I opened my eyes, sleepily.  Looked straight ahead.  Down the hall.  Confused. “Who’s the mom?” That’s the first thing that came to my mind.  My mind.  Mine.
Everything looked somewhat familiar, but I couldn’t place anything.  I had the sense of belonging, but I didn’t know how I belonged.  What was my role?  Who was I?

I couldn’t breathe.  It didn’t make any sense until my therapist asked me a simple question that made me realize that finding my voice meant losing my breath.