First there is the mom in Julia's class who, in my opinion, is determined that her daughter will have Type 1 diabetes.
I am trying my best not to punch her.
Second was the person who asked me if Julia "still had that diabetes thing."
I didn't even know how to answer that.
Finally was an acquaintance who has no idea about Julia's diagnoses that asked me if I can finally take a deep breath now that both of my kids are in school all day.
I haven't been able to breathe since November.
But today something happened. I was at school helping out in Julia's class and we had a fire drill. After the drill, the kids were heading straight to recess so I was checking Julia's blood sugar in the hall. As I was doing it, another Kindergarten class walked by with a substitute teacher. The teacher looked at us in what I took to be a strange way. I finished up with Julia (who was 120, which is right in range) and sent her off to play. I walked out to the playground and was watching the kids playing when that same substitute walked up to me. She asked me if that was my daughter I was checking. She went on to explain that her 21 year old son has Type 1 diabetes and was diagnosed when he was in 3rd grade. I told her yes that is my daughter and she was just diagnosed in November. She looked at me with incredible understanding in her eyes and said, "Oh so you are still so new to this. It does get better." She told me more about her son, about how he plays sports and went away to college and how when he was diagnosed, he couldn't get a pump for three years. The bell rang and she went to get her class and I went back to finish helping.
I took a deep breath and smiled.
There is not a day that I don't wish that this never happened and that I don't pray for a cure. But with every struggle there is triumph. Today was a good day. Hopefully, someday I will be able to bring peace to someone else who is so new. But for now I say thank you to all of you who are supporting us every day.
You will, my friend. That D Mama knows where you are. We all do. And, one day, you'll run across someone and realize that you're in a new place, but can relate to the road they're on.
ReplyDeleteD Mamas always know. And they'll love you no matter what...even when the numbers don't do all this hard work justice.
Well said! And like the sub said, it does get better. You are doing an awesome job!!
ReplyDeleteYour blogs are so inspiring! It puts so many things in perspective...thank you so much for doing this...you are so brave!
ReplyDeleteI agree with Fofee! I look forward to your blogs and you my best friend have always been and continue to be an inspiration. Keep up the good work. I miss you guys.
ReplyDeleteHappy to find you! I got the "But they will grow out of it, right?" Last night. But the most amazing thing happened, after I said no...the person asked the most amazing questions, and REALLY wanted to know everything about Type 1. It is an incredible feeling to talk to someone who wanted to learn. Sending someone back out into the world better educated is so calming!
ReplyDeleteEqually incredible is talking to someone who knows your heart. Who gets it! I'm thankful you had that experience!
Just found you through the Blogger Basal this month. I can completely relate with this post and the crazy comments people make...but fortunately also with being able to have a chance meeting with someone who "get it" too! I'm looking forward to reading your blog and learning more about you and your family!
ReplyDeleteHi Diane!
ReplyDeleteI found you through the blogger basal! I am a D Mama blogger. My son was dx 11/2008 at 27 months old.
I think as D Mama's, dealing with those who "don't get it" is one of the hardest tasks that we have. People can be so insensitive... usually innocently so... but it still is frustrating, and often hurtful. Feel comforted in the fact that you will advocate and educate one person at a time. And it will IN FACT get better. One day you WILL be that mom that reaches out to another new D Mama and makes her feel like the day is suddenly brighter... because she just met someone who has been there... someone who has given her HOPE. :)
-Donna
www.sugarkidsblog.com
just saw this post from Meri's...beautifully written, and I am glad we all have a bit of the where with all to not punch all those not so bright about d in the noses despite their really needing it! It is such a gift to meet others whom have been in our places and actually get what is going on. Take care :)
ReplyDeleteI just re-found you through the Blogger Basal on Our Diabetic Life. Good to "meet" you. I author Beta Buddies.
ReplyDeleteIf you punch the lady...please post about it. LOL.
You know it really does get better. Now I'm the one with T1, so I can't speak from a parents point of view. But I've had it for over 37 years and most of those have been just fine. Yes there are days that are so frustrating I want to go to bed with a pint of ice cream. But most days live is really good, I'm blessed with family and friends (both inside the DOC and outside) and I'd couldn't ask for a better life.
ReplyDeleteIn the meantime, it's always good to think about a 1 minute speech to give when someone asks a stupid question or some sharp (razor-sharp) put downs to use when you're not in the mood to deal with someone who's being stoopid.