Monday - I Can
In the UK, there was a diabetes blog theme of "I can...” that participants found wonderfully empowering. So lets kick things off this year by looking at the positive side of our lives with diabetes. What have you or your loved one accomplished, despite having diabetes, that you weren't sure you could? Or what have you done that you've been particularly proud of? Or what good thing has diabetes brought into your life?
----------------------
Positive side? If you had asked me about 7 years ago if there was a positive side to diabetes I would have laughed in your face. Then maybe kicked you in the groin for being so insulting.
Heck, even 4 or 5 years ago it was still a battle.
But these days my baby with type 1 is not a baby anymore. Not even a toddler. And with her growing up, we have "grown into" (for lack of a better word) her diabetes. Is it still hard? Some days, yes. So. Very. Yes.
But it is better. Or maybe we're better. The technology is definitely better. And when you put all these things together, we are doing things that I never thought possible back on September 6, 2008.
We travelled... first a short hop to Kansas City, but soon after to Canada. Portugal. San Francisco. Orlando x 2.
We added to our family. Two more times.
She went to preschool, where nobody had any experience with type 1. And rocked it.
She's done skating lessons, swimming lessons, dance, soccer, gymnastics, and hockey.
Then came elementary school, and riding the school bus. Class parties and field trips. With the help of Nightscout and an awesome school nurse, we totally conquered Field Day this year:
These days when I think back to that scared Mom, sitting in a dreary hospital room clutching her baby tight in her arms, I can close my eyes and remember exactly what was running through her mind; "Can I do this? I don't think I can."
Almost 7 years later, the answer is: Absolutely, I Can.
And so can this girl.
This brought so many smiles! Here's to rocking in, even when that once didn't seem possible. :)
ReplyDeleteShe's adorable and both you and she should be very proud of where she is today. And where she is going with and despite diabetes! Yeah for technology also:-)
ReplyDeleteWhat a great post! I think of my Mom often and what she had to have felt all those years ago when I was diagnosed at age 7 (in 1974). I'm sure her thoughts were similar to yours (although I was older at diagnosis than your daughter). Thanks for letting me into your thoughts and understanding what hers may have been as well.
ReplyDeleteThere are tears in my eyes right now!! I feel so lucky to know you both (and the rest of your family too). You all rock and thank you for showing us all what can be done!!
ReplyDeleteSimply an awesome D family! Way to rock it Elise!
ReplyDeleteGreat post. Glad to see you and your daughter overcame the beginning fears and are now rocking it!
ReplyDeleteAww I love all the photos! She's adorable. Great post!
ReplyDeleteI love the way you put this post together. Your daughter is beautiful. What a great D-Mom! :)
ReplyDeleteI love this! I love seeing kids thriving with diabetes!
ReplyDeleteThis is an absolutely beautiful story. Universal but still so uniquely you guys. I think it should be in the Welcome to Diabetes package CDE's hand out at the hospital.
ReplyDeleteOf course you can. You are rock stars!
ReplyDeleteShe's an amazing girl!
ReplyDeleteYou are doing it and helping so many others do it too! Love you and all your little rock stars! xoxo
ReplyDelete