It's magical to witness such childlike joy...happiness...serenity.
Growing up introduces so much extra baggage. There's so much to think about. So much to do. So much to stress over. The opportunity to bask in the glow of childhood is a welcome reprieve from the day-to-day grind of life.
Our local T1 support group held its annual Christmas party last weekend.
We added 5 new hand prints...
There was a visit from Santa...
There was a bounce house...
And (gluten-free) cookie decorating...
The kids bounced and played the night away. Moms connected with other moms...dads with dads...siblings with siblings. Newcomers were welcomed with open arms.
For a night, no one noticed the meters beeping or random test strips on the lawn. Finger pricks and juice boxes...highs and lows...no one judged the mound of icing on one cookie or the pile of sprinkles on another. We were all gathered together making the most of diabetes during the holidays.
My friends, it was a fantastical night.
I wish you all could have been there.
I'd like to extend a very special THANK YOU to Animas. You might remember when I mentioned that Animas and I would be working together. Well, my official Animas page went live last week, and they sponsored our Santa visit and bounce house as a way to give back to the local community I care so deeply about. Thank you, Animas. You're an amazing company on so many levels. I genuinely care about these families, we genuinely love our Animas pump, and I'm genuinely honored to share the exciting journey ahead!
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| Children with Type 1 Diabetes |
I'm totally sad that we didn't get the chance to go. Hopefully next year :-)
ReplyDeleteThat's awesome! Love the pic of you and the girls xo
ReplyDeleteWhat a magical time for everyone big and small! Wish I lived closer and could be a part of such a wonderful group of families coming together to support one another. I heart that picture of you and your girls with Santa!
ReplyDeleteThis was indeed a wonderful celebration, our first of many with these amazing kids and families.
ReplyDeleteThe bouncy house was a big hit, and Santa with his rosy cheeks really topped off the evening of fun, families, and frolicking!
Thanks to you for all the coordination! You and the Animas sponsor made such an impression, which will be hard to top next year (though a magnificent challenge to the benefit of these amazing T1 children and support siblings), and we're already looking forward to seeing you all again!
Stefene, Mama to 5-year-old T1 Ben, and sisters Megan and Alexis
I've said it one million times...but I'll repeat it now: COMMUNITY is so freaking valuable.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad that you have found some folks that understand you and understand some of the issues facing your family. Love. Love. Love.
Next time, I'm totally coming over to crash the party.
WOW! That looks like so much fun! Your girls are super cute! I LOVE their shirts! I wish there was a group for adults just to hang out like that! Hope you are having a great Christmas Season! :D
ReplyDeletelooks like a blast :)
ReplyDeletetremendous! congrats on a successful event! look at all those smiling faces! :)
ReplyDeletelooks like you all had a FANTASTIC time! Yay for Animas and Merry Christmas to you all! :o)
ReplyDeleteYay, I love love love this!!! I'm so glad you all had such a wonderful night! And that picture is beautiful!!
ReplyDeleteGreat that you have this large, local group - and wonderful to be in good company before Christmas! Like the "don't let diabetes make parenting decisions for you" over on the Animus blog - great way of putting it.
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