Week Thirteen

Ahmad completed his internship with the company he was at and eventually they offered him a job. He often thought about returning to school for medicine, but was always dissuaded when he remembered how difficult college had been for him. He was comfortable in his job because he had been with the company already, so he did well in his position. The company knew that he was a hard worker even though he sometimes had problems with his Lyme. Ahmad was satisfied with his job and over the years built up his reputation within the company. He got promoted and was able to live comfortably on his salary.  It took him a few years after graduating college, but he eventually moved out of his parents’ house and into his own apartment in the same city. He still sees them often, and they are a good support system for him. Ahmad has a few close friends at work and sees them regularly. While Ahmad does still have some issues with social interaction, he was able to bond with his coworkers over their workplace. The people that he made the strongest connection with came to accept Ahmad for who he was.

During college, Ahmad lost touch with his religion. After a talk with his father, he decided to become more involved in the Muslim community around him where he also made some friends. His mother was fine with this as long as it was what Ahmad wanted. After some time, to his father’s delight, he began to date one of the women in this community. After a somewhat lengthy relationship, the couple split up due to mutual lack of love interest. The two remained friends after the breakup.

When Ahmad was well into his 30s, he began to date one of his coworkers that he had known since his internship in college. The two were decent friends before their relationship, and their relationship blossomed because of this. Eventually the two moved in together and became engaged. When Ahmad was 38, the two got married. His wife, Taylor, is very accepting of Ahmad’s Lyme. The two have known each other for so long that she doesn’t even notice his difficulties anymore; she just sees them as a part of him. She also understands his greater risk for degenerative mental disease later in life but is optimistic.

Now 46, Ahmad is still with Taylor. The two have a healthy relationship and twin girls, Kristen and Aubrey. They live in a house in a neighborhood near Ahmad’s parents. Ahmad and Taylor are both still working, and they are able to support their two children. Since Ahmad’s parents are close by, they watch Kristen and Aubrey while Ahmad and Taylor are at work. Ahmad’s parents love their grandchildren, but they are aging and it is becoming increasingly difficult for them to handle the kids. Still, for now, all is well with the Nassar family.