Monica and Chandler start bombarding him with bizarre questions about his health and family history, and I was all smiles and chuckles until Monica piped up with, "Do you have a history of diabetes in your family?"
And that's when it hit me. I mean, I guess it has hit me before, but in bits and pieces. But this time it struck me full force in the face... the world views my child as damaged, or less than.
Ouch.
I know there are people out there who see diabetes as a liability. I've had at least one mom tell me flat out that she didn't feel comfortable driving Elise to or from a sporting event. I've witnessed her get left out of birthday parties that included sleepovers. Another Mom confided in me that having Elise over for a play date makes her nervous.
But I also wonder what judgments await her down the road? Will diabetes be responsible for her not making a team? When she turns 25 and starts dating will potential partners hear diabetes and head for the hills?
Elise herself has told me she's not entirely sure she should have kids because she doesn't want to give them diabetes.
Sad things to think about when you're 8.
In fact, Elise told me a story about a boy who told her she couldn't play soccer with them at recess because "she has diabetes".
Cue blood boiling.
But here's where I see hope. Because a little boy in her class turned to the soccer-bully and told him, "you can't talk to her that way." Side note - I really like this kid. Between you and I? She should totally marry him. You know, after she turns 30.
Sometimes the kids get it though. Better than we adults. One of my favourite stories is about a little boy in Elise's kindergarten class who was sweet on her. R's mom told me that she overheard him say to his Grandma, "I think I'm in love... Nana, you should see her! She has diabetes and even wears a pump... she's beautiful and she's perfect!"
A little 5 year-old who gets it.
He's right.
She's perfect.
I believed that I would have diabetes sooner than later. I suppose it was that I grew up diabetes (my mom was type 1) that prepared me for being diagnosed at 17 and then dating. I think your daughter will be fine at 25.
ReplyDeleteYes there will be dating disappointments and upsets, but all in all, she will be fine, after all what real choice do we have?
So, when TJ and I were dating it didn't seem like t1d was a big deal, I was only wanting to make sure I would be able to give him glucagon if I ever needed...so he let me give him a few shots to make sure I wouldn't freeze up if anything ever happen. It wasn't until I read the book "The Diabetic Man" and there was a mention in there about a shortened life span in people with t1d that I thought twice, ONLY because I couldn't imagine less years with him. That's all. I just didn't want ti imagine a single less day without him. And I NEVER thought twice about having children with him because of t1d, even now after Isaac having t1d, I don't think twice.
ReplyDeleteAnyhow, I too see our babes as perfect. The children and my husband, just perfect :)
awww...yes, she's perfect. How sweet of that little boy. Hoping that your back to school goes off without a hitch. or is it with a hitch? I can't remember. It's late. ha.
ReplyDeleteShe has some good friends. That will always be important.
ReplyDeleteShe is perfect. I'm biased - I'm a mom, wife, and a person with T1D, and I truly believe that having T1D helped me feel more secure in my choice of a mate, seeing clearly how my now-husband dealt with tricky medical situations. (My aunt, who has T1D, has said the same.) Cheers to wonderful Elise, who will be just fine, and to her family. ❤️
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