DBlogWeek 2012 Day 7: ONE.

Let’s end our week on a high note and blog about our “Diabetes Hero”.  It can be anyone you’d like to recognize or admire, someone you know personally or not, someone with diabetes or maybe a Type 3.  It might be a fabulous endo or CDE.  It could be a d-celebrity or role-model.  It could be another DOC member.  It’s up to you – who is your Diabetes Hero??

Okay, so this post is late.

Actually, when it becomes history, you won't know that because I'm going to schedule it to make it look like it was written on time.

Except now I've spilled the beans.

So...yeah.  This post is late...but the date says it was posted on 5/20 -- the official DAY 7 of Diabetes Blog Week 2012.

That's my story, and I'm sticking to it.

The truth is that I couldn't decide who I'd make my "Diabetes Hero".

Immediately, I thought of my daughter, Sugar.  She's my hero for the way she has gracefully risen to the challenges she faces.  Then I thought of her sisters.  They're certainly heroes for the way they are able to see beyond diabetes, to the innermost depths of Sugar's soul, in only the way that a sister could.  Mr. Rose...that man works a blue-collar, labor intensive job, outside, in 110+ degree heat in order to provide for our family.  He's my hero everyday.

I thought of the hundreds of parents I've met who are also raising a child with diabetes.
And the grown-up people with diabetes who have given me the gift of a glimpse into what Sugar's future may hold.
And many parents of those grown-up people with diabetes who have blazed the trails for parents like me.

Drs. Banting and Best for inventing insulin?  Heroes.
Dean Kamen for inventing the insulin pump?  Hero.
Tireless advocacy organizations?  Heroes.

So, I was stuck.

And then it dawned on me that I was struggling with this topic, because I hadn't stopped to consider my biggest hero of all.

You see, after diabetes entered our picture, we found ourselves in a predicament.

I carried our health insurance, and didn't have enough leave to recover from the time I needed to take off when dealing with her diagnosis, before our second baby was due to arrive a few months later.  Without a leave bank, we faced the very real possibility that we could lose our health insurance on the first of the month, following the birth of our baby.

A newly diabetic toddler and a new baby ... with no health insurance?

So, Mr. Rose began looking high and low for a job that offered benefits.  (He was a contractor, and his position at the time didn't offer any.)

He flew out to interview for his current position in October of 2005, and learned the position he was there for didn't open for new candidates very often.  As a rule, new helicopter mechanics were hired...when someone else retired.

On December 14th, he was offered the job.

I went into labor later that day.

We couldn't have planned the timing better if we had tried.

We faced a huge move across country, had to leave behind many loved ones, and spent a few months paying both a mortgage and the rent ...but we never lost access to health insurance.

That move has turned out to be one of the biggest blessings in our life.  Our marriage been strengthened, and we've discovered a number of wonderful friendships.  We found an amazing endocrinologist who was willing to advocate for the insulin pump, even at a very young age.  We live walking distance from the school where an amazing team of nurses (more heroes!) keep track of Sugar every day.  We stumbled into an incredible church community, and have been able to repair our broken spirits from the shock of her diagnosis.  I've been given the opportunity to work from home, and he's been given the opportunity to earn a college degree.

We have truly bloomed where we were planted.

And there is really only ONE hero I can credit it to.

Thank you, dear Lord.

Sugar, about 1 year before our lives changed forever.

DBlogWeek 2012 Day 6: Blueprint.

Back for the third year, let’s show everyone what life with diabetes looks like!  With a nod to the Diabetes 365 project, let’s grab our cameras again and share some more d-related pictures.  Post as many or as few as you’d like.  Feel free to blog your thoughts on or explanations of your pictures, or leave out the written words and let the pictures speak for themselves.

DBlogWeek 2012 Day 5: I Want You To Know.

Today let’s borrow a topic from a #dsma chat held last September.  The tweet asked “What is one thing you would tell someone that doesn’t have diabetes about living with diabetes?”.  Let’s do a little advocating and post what we wish people knew about diabetes.  Have more than one thing you wish people knew?  Go ahead and tell us everything.

1)     Sugar has Type 1 Diabetes.  Type 1 Diabetes is an autoimmune disease, which means her own body attacked the insulin producing cells in her pancreas, and no one knows WHY.  It was not caused by poor dietary choices, eating too much sugar, or lack of physical exercise.  We did not "do" anything to cause it, and there is not a significant history of any type of diabetes on either side of Sugar's family.  It just happened.

2)     When you tell me that "things could be so much worse" it doesn't help. Managing this disease takes a considerable amount of time, energy, focus, and financial resources. Comparing levels of hardship demonstrates lack of empathy.  You should know that *I* can think of a zillion things that could be worse, but none of them are of any comfort to me when I'm watching my child struggle, suffer, and succumb to the effects of this chronic, life-threatening disease for which there is no cure.

3)     Just because Sugar "looks ok", doesn't mean she is.  When a child with a seizure disorder has a seizure or a child with asthma has an asthma attack, you know they need help, because there is an outward display of symptoms.  When a child with diabetes has a low or high blood sugar, you may not be able to tell just by looking at them.  For this reason, it is necessary to check blood sugars every 2 - 3 hours around the clock, every day. If left untreated, both low and high blood sugars can lead to seizures, coma, and death.

4)    This can happen to your child too.  No child is immune to the possibility that they could also develop Type 1 Diabetes.  It can happen to any child -- and adults (usually under age 40) as well.  Please call your doctor to request an immediate diabetes screening if you notice: excessive thirst, frequent urination, increased appetite, weight loss (or lack of weight gain, despite an increased appetite), sweet smelling breath, or blurred vision.

Local children living with T1D, and their handprints

5)     My life will stop for blood sugars.  It doesn't matter if I'm sitting in my state Senator's office (done it), in church (done it), cooking dinner (done it), in the middle of a store (done it), or in mid-sentence (done it)....if Sugar is having a blood sugar problem, I *will* stop whatever I'm doing to address it.  Please don't take it personally.  I'll need a minute or two to problem solve while factoring in all of the variables surrounding that particular number, so just bear with me.  I'll get back into the game of life as soon as I can.

Taken in 2009 at the end of a meeting with Senator Harper (AZ).
20 minutes before this picture, we were dealing with a BG of 45 mg/dl
right smack dab in the middle of our conversation.

6)    Life is good.  You should know that living with Type 1 Diabetes doesn't mean our family can't be happy, feel good about life, or celebrate milestones with (gluten free!) cupcakes.  Yes, it's hard.  Yes, it's exhausting.  Yes, it's complicated.  Yes, it's all consuming at times.  Despite all of those things, however, we are incredibly blessed to have Sugar in our lives.  We believe that every smile, every laugh, every victory, every joy, in fact EVERY GOOD THING comes from God!  We are incredibly grateful for the way He has carried us thus far, as we make our way through this journey of life with Type 1 Diabetes.

DBlogWeek 2012 Day 4: Technology I want.

Tell us what your Fantasy Diabetes Device would be?  Think of your dream blood glucose checker, delivery system for insulin or other meds, magic carb counter, etc etc etc.  The sky is the limit – what would you love to see?

Well, first the obvious:  No more fingerpricks, no more shots, no more carb counting, no more mind games, no more highs, no more lows, no more all of it...and no more of all of it without the use of immunosuppressant drugs!!!

But...since that sounds like a "cure", and this post is meant to dream up a technological wish list, I'll skip the "cure" part, and go straight to my list of demands:

• I'd like insulin to change colors when it's lost it's potency and shouldn't be used.  And I'm not talking about a subtle color change, either.  Like NEON GREEN or something.  If it's a hot Arizona  115 degree day, and you see NEON GREEN in the tubing...or you pull out the last of a NEON GREEN vial from the fridge...or your mail order arrives, but you aren't home so they leave it on the doorstep...you would know by the NEON GREEN appearance right away that the insulin should not be used.  (Oh, and I'd like pharmacies to replace said NEON GREEN vials without arguing.  It's not my fault this stuff is so temperamental, but I paid a full copay for a full vial.  It seems reasonable to expect that my full vial will work down to the very last drop, and, if it doesn't, I'd like it replaced without a headache.)

• You know those pulse oximeter things that are used to get a quick measurement of oxygen saturation levels?  Yah.  Well, I'd like to slip a sensor on a finger, and get an accurate glucose reading with an arrow indicator.  I'd also like it to have a USB port, so all the data could be uploaded to a very user friendly program that will detect patterns and make suggestions regarding dosage changes.

• I'd like a pump with an integrated CGM that can be operated by a remote with an LCD touch screen.  I want the remote to have a texting feature, so my daughter could send real time screen shots with questions as necessary.  I'd like the pump to be as lightweight as possible, and I also want it to have a retractable tubing feature.  In addition, I want the CGM to be so incredibly accurate that the pump can detect both glucose and insulin levels and adjust accordingly without much thought on behalf of the person wearing it (or their parents!!).  I'd also like it to have a voice recognition/activation feature, so the user has an option to tell it to program and deliver a bolus for "X" amount of carbs instead of always having to push buttons.  Regarding the previously mentioned finger sensor glucose readings, I'd like both technologies to communicate so calibrations can be done with minimal effort on behalf of the user.

• Back to that texting feature, I'd also like the ability to program alerts to as many cell phone numbers as I choose.  So, I could decide which phones would be receiving what alerts at what time.  If she's at school and dropping fast, it would alert me at home, her dad at work, and her nurse in the health office.  The nurse could just send a quick text message with an update or questions as needed. On the weekends, I may disable the nurse's number, and program a friend's parent during a sleepover.  Or a babysitter on date night.  Distance wouldn't matter -- I could be on the other side of the globe, but it would continue to alert my cell phone number until I tell it not to. 

• In addition, I'd like to be able to access the CGM graph remotely...both from the fancy schmancy pump remote, and also via any programmed cell phone.  I want to be able to pull up a live CGM graph via my phone and browse the history.  When a phone number is disabled, this information would not be available.

• Lastly, I want both the pump and remote to have a GPS device.  Should we lose the remote, we could find it quickly, but more importantly, I would be able to locate my daughter in the event she was ever missing.  

Oh, man...I could totally keep going!!!

But...sigh...since this is all a daydream anyway, I suppose I'd better get on with the rest of my day!

Peace out, Friends!

DBlogWeek 2012 Day 3: JUST DO IT!

Yesterday we gave ourselves and our loved ones a big pat on the back for one thing we are great at.  Today let’s look at the flip-side.  We probably all have one thing we could try to do better.  Why not make today the day we start working on it.  No judgments, no scolding, just sharing one small thing we can improve so the DOC can cheer us on!

Confession:  I like lows better than highs.

I know.  I KNOW!  I am fully aware of how urgent a low blood sugar is.  I realize that swift action is necessary, and you have to carry around a source of fast-acting sugar ALL.  OF.  THE. TIME.  in order to be ready to manage a low blood sugar at any given moment.  I am absolutely aware of how devastating a low can be if left untreated, and lows totally creep me out when one strikes while she's not in my care.

Lows bite.

BIG TIME.

But I still hate highs more.

Random, unexplained highs drive me batty.  Site?  Skunked insulin?  Illness looming?  Gonna grow?  Stressed?  Upset?  Spelling test?  WHAT????  WHAT IS THE PROBLEM????????

So, here's the thing...I have a HORRIBLE habit of trying to "give a site a chance".

Look.  If my kid's BG is 400 (ehum, PLUS), and there is seriously NO REASON that can possibly explain such an offense, then I need to yank that schmuck, and start again.  Period.  There is no reason to be milking a stinkin' pump site.

DO YOU HEAR THAT, WENDY ROSE????  NO REASON!  NONE!

I feel okay correcting a random 300-something ONCE to see how things go, but I am really, seriously, honestly opposed to giving the surprise 400+'s a chance.  That is where I draw the line for us, in our journey with diabetes.

For realz.

Experience has taught me that sudden, unexplained trips to the 400+ Mountains means there's more to the story than meets the eye.

And I may never, ever, ever figure out what it is.

Ever.

I have to be okay with that.

The not knowing.

In my core, I know what I need to do...so WHY DON'T I JUST DO IT????

It's not like it happens often, but seriously.  Why wait around?  Let's get cracking!

Ohhhhhhh...but what if I change the site, and things still don't settle down???  Has that 50u of insulin in her pump gone bad?  Overheated?  Whatever?

(Cuz I really don't want to waste perfectly good, precious, life-sustaining insulin.  The only way I can tell if the insulin is the problem is to rule out other issues first.)

Sigh.

THEN I gotta get new insulin, THEN I gotta fill up a new cartridge, THEN I gotta blah, blah, blah...

And what if THAT doesn't help?

And now we're, like, 6 hours away from the first concerning number.

And I'm still hoping beyond hope that her site will prove to me everything is okay.  The insulin will suddenly whip things back into shape, and everything will turn out rainbows and unicorns.

UGH!!!!

I can't stand the "decision tree".

So, rather than face it head on, change the site, and start problem-solving immediately to determine if the insulin can be saved or not, I shrug my shoulders and try a bolus.

WHY????  WHY DO I DO THAT?  Now the insulin, which might or might not be potent, might or might not be circulating, and I can't change my mind.  Once I deliver the bolus, I have no choice but to wait and see how things turn out a couple hours later.

I have now potentially set us back about 2 hours in the race down the mountain!!!

I have GOT to get better at this.

I need to respond to a surprise 400+ by changing the site, and moving on!

It needs to be automatic.

Spontaneous.

Mechanical.

A reflex.

PERIOD!!

Is there a Facebook page for this?

Chronic-High-BG-Maybe-The-Bolus-Will-Work Syndrome?

A 12-step?  Hypnotherapy?  An accountability partner?

Change the site, Wendy Rose.


Just do it.

DBlogWeek 2012 Day 2: Rock the Low.

Living with diabetes (or caring for someone who lives with it) sure does take a lot of work, and it’s easy to be hard on ourselves if we aren’t “perfect”.  But today it’s time to give ourselves some much deserved credit.  Tell us about just one diabetes thing you (or your loved one) does spectacularly!  Fasting blood sugar checks, oral meds sorted and ready, something always on hand to treat a low, or anything that you do for diabetes.  Nothing is too big or too small to celebrate doing well! 

I don't wanna brag or anything, but...

That kid of mine?  Man, she ROCKS at catching her lows.  Seriously.  She rarely drops under 60, because she catches them in the 60's-70's pretty consistently.

Just a few weeks ago, I posted about a time she called to tell me her blood sugar was in the 60's...except she hadn't actually tested yet.  While we were on the phone, I heard the familiar beeping of her Ping remote.

She was 68.

Then there was the time she insisted she was dropping, and I didn't believe her.  I thought she was stalling her bedtime, and told her to "sleep tight" .  She looked me square in the eye, and told me she'd come back when she was in the sixties.

Twenty minutes later, she was back.

At 63.

Lately, she's been pretty spot on in the other direction as well.  In fact, last Monday, I was volunteering in her classroom when she brought me her diabetes stuff, and told me something was wrong.

"I don't know if I'm low.  I just know something isn't right."

She was 350.  I gave her a correction, and sent her back to what she was doing.

Thirty minutes later, she brought her stuff to me again.

"I'm 400 now."

399.

It takes quite a bit of self awareness to recognize her symptoms as well as she does.  It takes quite a bit of self confidence to speak up when she knows she needs to test.  It takes quite a bit of self reliance to make sure she has access to everything she needs at any given time.

It takes guts to OWN her diabetes like the champion she is...and she's only 8 years old.

That girl amazes me.

DBlogWeek 2012 Day 1: (Re)Meet Shamae

It seems the most popular thing about Diabetes Blog Week is that it helps us find blogs we weren’t reading yet and connect with some new blog friends.  With that in mind, let’s kick off Diabetes Blog Week by making some new connections.  Think about the d-blogs you read that you think we may not know about and introduce us to one that you love!!  Let’s all find a new friend today!

I've been blogging for almost 4 years now.  In the beginning, I was just spouting off my thoughts, and had no idea anyone from the diabetes online community would find them. Come to think of it, I didn't even realize there WAS a diabetes online community.  I was home from dawn til dusk along with a diabetic 4 year old, a 2 year old, and an infant.  I was pulling my hair out with the demands of motherhood, and felt fairly certain that the demands of managing my daughter's diabetes in conjunction with sleepless nights was going to push me over the edge.

WAY.  OVER.  THE.  EDGE.

I decided that screaming at the top of my lungs via an online journal was a better option than ruining nap time by screaming out loud, so I figured out how to set up a blog.  Then, day by day, I stared purging the thoughts in my brain to make room for more thoughts yet to come.

And then, one day, someone left a comment.

Someone I didn't know.

Someone who was also raising a child with type 1 diabetes.

Someone who understood.

Someone named Shamae.

Shamae was like my long lost sister or something!!  Man, that girl and I could text back and forth for HOURS!!  I wasn't even much of a texter before Shamae, and then Mr. Rose had to change our plan to unlimited just so I could keep in touch with my pal!

Eventually Shamae and I met for REALZ in 2010, when we planned a girls get-away to Vegas! After Vegas, Shamae and her husband, Loren, got pregnant with their third baby...and things changed for my dear friend, Shamae, shortly thereafter.

(Oh, before I forget...we crossed paths again when our fam was road tripping to Montana, and we stopped off for lunch with Sham and her crew.)

It was very cool that our kiddos got to meet each other!

But back to being preggo.  Shamae had a really difficult pregnancy...coupled with, then followed by, some really difficult complications of her own.  She's had some bone stuff, heart stuff, and other stuff.  She even needed a heart procedure earlier this year.  She's taken some scary medications, and she's been through some wicked health issues, but (PRAISE GOD!) she's lived to tell about it.  It's been a pretty rough go for my friend and her beautiful family.

Suffice to say that Shamae hasn't been on the blog bandwagon for awhile.

But...I think she's ready to dive back in.

I think (pray!!!) her life is finally evolving into a new version "normal", and the best is yet to come.

So, to all my new bloggy pals (and you long-timers as well), I'd really like to (re)introduce you to Shamae!!!!

Welcome To Our Crazy, Happy Life!

DBlogWeek: Day 7 - What We've Learned

MONDAY -- Admiring Our Differences.

Today I learned that PWD (Person With Diabetes) bloggers consider parent bloggers a vital part of the DOC (Diabetes Online Community).  I found incredible encouragement through the words of people who have diabetes themselves.  I read post after post that made me feel warm and fuzzy inside, and reinforced what an honor it is to author Candy Hearts alongside so many amazing people.


Today I reaffirmed that PWD bloggers don't bite, and there's no reason to think they won't value a parent's perspective.


TUESDAY -- Letter Writing Day.

The emotions of yesterday left me identifying specifically with the letters written by adults with Type 1 to their younger-selves today...and...WHEW!  It was emotional.  As I read their words, I could see my daughter weaved in and out of the lines...I couldn't help but to imagine what our future holds -- what HER future holds.  When my mind fast forwarded to the present day, I stood in awe at the wonderful people I've met on this journey.


Today I was reminded that children with diabetes do, indeed, grow up to become adults with diabetes and, as far as I can tell, most of them turn out okay (for the most part...I think their parents do too!)

WEDNESDAY -- Diabetes Bloopers.

HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!


Today I learned that I'm not the only one who makes stOOpid mistakes...like, you know, forgetting that my daughter's life depends on insulin and showing up at a potluck without any.  Okay.  It wasn't funny in that moment.  OOPS.

THURSDAY -- Ten Things I Hate About YOU, Diabetes.

Well, first of all...this would be the day that Blogger wigged out.  Not cool.  As a result, the wildcard I played today is nowhere to be found.  Off in cyber space, I guess.  Aside from that, today was very eye opening.  What one person doesn't think of as being that big of a deal, someone else totally can't stand.  It was interesting to read the thoughts of others, and somewhat liberating to witness the release people were feeling as they bashed diabetes as much or as little as their (candy) heart's desired, without the fear of judgment or guilt that is often associated with outwardly displaying such difficult emotions.

Well, almost.


Today I learned that some non-d-blogging members of the DOC were disturbed that one of this week's topics focused on something they perceived as negative.  That being said, in the end, I don't think it wouldn't have mattered if another topic stood in place of this one -- the bottom line is that they just don't care for the blogging platform...and, perhaps, some of the authors who write them.    


FRIDAY -- Awesome Things.

A fitting topic for Friday the 13th!  Friends, the blogging community of the DOC is made up of some AMAZING people.  Seriously...if you were feeling bummed about yesterday's topic, then today's should have cheered, inspired, and motivated your soul!

Today I learned that impossible doesn't exist.

SATURDAY - Saturday Snapshots.

From funny to serious, and everything in between, today's topic was probably my favorite.  I LOVE pictures.  I consider it a privilege when someone shares a picture with me.  It's like they have a little door on their heart, and they're inviting me inside to share little piece of their soul.  I have a heart for ALL people, and I enjoy seeing pictures of their lives in action.

Today I learned that, behind the computer screens, so much is the same.

Before I go, I'd like to share a video that Mike put together as a way to thank Karen for the time and dedication it must have taken in order to make DBlogWeek 2011 such a huge success...



Here are the links to check out ALL of the posts from DBlogWeek 2011:  

Day 1 -- Admiring Our Differences

Day 2 -- Letter Writing Day

Day 3 -- Diabetes Bloopers

Day 4 -- Ten Things I Hate About YOU, Diabetes

Day 5 -- Awesome Things

Day 6 -- Saturday Snapshots

Day 7 -- What We've Learned

Wildcard -- D-Myths

Wildcard -- Step Outside the Box

From My Candy Heart to Yours,

HAPPY BLOGGING, Y'ALL!

DBlogWeek: Day 6 - Saturday Snapshots

To the best of us, yo.

Peace out,

and

Happy Saturday!

PS -- I scheduled this to post at the exact minute I have to wake up to drag myself to BodyBack.
Just because I wanted to know I wasn't alone.
Thanks for being there, Friends!

This post is part of the 2011 D Blog Week.  To see all of the posts on today's topic, click HERE.

DBlogWeek: Day 5 - Awesome Things

Because of diabetes, we have learned how to put God in the center of our life.


Because of diabetes, our marriage has learned the true meaning of teamwork.


Because of diabetes, our family is very tight niched.


Because of diabetes, dirty kitchen floors and unfolded laundry can wait.


Because of diabetes, we've learned to forgive before the chance to do so is gone.


Because of diabetes, we strive harder to be patient with each other.


Because of diabetes, we've learned how to be be alert, and functional with very little sleep.


Because of diabetes, we are not afraid of the pain others may be experiencing, and are able to reach out to them easily.


Because of diabetes, we are able to embrace differences.


Because of diabetes, we've learned how to find joy in everyday life.


Because of diabetes, we've learned how to let go of unrealistic expectations.


Because of diabetes, we've learned to be gentler with ourselves.


Because of diabetes, we know what HOPE means.


Because of diabetes, we have formed many bonded friendships.


Because of diabetes, we've learned how to recognize and release toxic relationships, yet still pray for resolution.


Because of diabetes, we are able to cherish small victories.


Because of diabetes, we are stronger.


Because of diabetes, we know that no one is guaranteed another day, and strive to make each moment count.


Because of diabetes, we found YOU.

This post is part of the 2011 D Blog Week.  To see all of the posts on today's topic, click HERE.

P.S. -- Thank you, Blogger for MESSING UP the most amazing blogging week of the year.  I have no idea if the posts I wrote before your breakdown will resurface, but I'm trying to remain hopeful.  Hope is a theme around here, ya know.  Anyway, Blogger, we all have meltdowns from time to time.  We've been together for nearly 3 years, and this is the first time you've caused such mayhem.  I'll forgive you, but please try to keep this stuff to a minimum in the future.  It's embarrassing.  Thanks :)

DBlogWeek: Day 4 - Steppin' Outside the Box Wildcard

Did you hear about the 

2012 Grabber Blue Boss 302 Laguna Seca?

It's totally amazing.

Find out more HERE (and be sure to check out the comments!)

This post is part of the 2011 D Blog Week.  To see all of the posts on today's topic, click HERE.

To see the wildcard topics, click HERE and HERE.

DBlogWeek: Day 3 - Diabetes Bloopers

Jason:  "I need to check your sugar."

Sugar:  "I'm not high."

(Neighbor tables begin to pay attention now. We're used to it. Sometimes we forget that not everyone in society has seen a little girl getting her fingers poked while wearing an insulin pump.)

Jason:  "Well, I still need to check you."

(Tiara tries to hand Sugar a chicken nugget while Jason is checking her blood sugar.)

Sugar: (**LOUD WITH EMOTION**) "I CAN'T HAVE WEED!!!"

(Neighbor tables continue to stare...unsure whether to call 911 or chuckle themselves.)

Jason: "WHEAT, Honey. WHEAT...you can't have wheat!!!"

First she's not HIGH and then she can't have WEED.

Who the heck are her parents?  

SHEESH!

This post is part of the 2011 D Blog Week.  To see all of the posts on today's topic, click HERE.

DBlogWeek: Day 2 - Letter Writing Day

Dear PW(T1)D Bloggers,

Her numbers were high.
And low.
And I couldn't figure out how to balance everything in between.

There was an expectation that I would automatically know what to do.  I had been a R.N. for several years, and people would say stuff like "Well, thank goodness you're a nurse!"  or "You already know all about that stuff."

But I was completely lost.

I didn't understand.
Her numbers didn't make sense.
Nothing made sense.

I was afraid of never being able to learn everything I would need to know in order to help her thrive.  I was afraid of the nights...and her naps.

She randomly passed out all the time.  Sudden, unpredictable lows left my baby with horrible bumps and bruises all over her little head and face.  Maybe she knew they were coming, but just couldn't tell me?  Or maybe I just couldn't figure out how to recognize them?

I don't know.

About three years ago, I sat down to an empty computer screen.  I was beaten up, defeated, and intimidated by a disease that seemed to consume my life.

One by one, I discovered a multitude of blogs written by adults with T1D.
Slowly, I began sensing fear being replaced with empowerment.
Confusion replaced with knowledge.
Despair replaced by hope.

Among a zillion other things, you taught me what lows feel like.  You taught me that it's common to want to eat everything in the fridge at times.  You taught me that highs happen -- even when you're all grown up, and "in control".  (By the way, you also taught me that being "in control" is a fantasy.)  You have helped me avoid the diabetes guilt traps that seem to lurk around every corner.  You reminded me to Blame Diabetes when it feels like everything is going to hell in a handbasket.  You've shared your struggles, your victories, and given me a glimpse into what the future might hold for my girl.

For all of that, I'm incredibly grateful.

In the beginning, I wasn't sure where -- or if -- I would fit in.  I wondered if I was an outsider, because I'm just "the mom", and not living with T1 myself.  I worried that all of my flaws would be exposed for the entire world see, and was secretly afraid it would be obvious to everyone else what I was doing wrong when managing my daughter's diabetes.

But you guys have embraced me, and helped me find a comfortable place in the DOC.  Today, I have a story to tell, and have been blessed with the opportunity to help other families when they find themselves in the same dark place I sat not long ago.  Today, I find myself surrounded by healthy, happy T1 adults who have careers, families, and dreams for the future.

The funny thing is that many of us are around the same age (You know, give or take 20 years!).  While some of you may see me as a mother -- and I see many of you as a child who has grown up with type 1 diabetes -- we're really just people living this thing called LIFE.  If we were all at #dprom rocking out to Blünt Lancet, I wouldn't be there as a chaperon....I'd be there with my Honey, causing as much trouble as the rest of you.

In the end, I've discovered so much more than confidence in managing my daughter's T1D.

I've discovered amazing friendships.

Thank you.

Thank you more than you could ever know.

Rock On.

This post is part of the 2011 D Blog Week.  To see all of the posts on today's topic, click HERE.

DBlogWeek: Day 1 - Admiring Our Differences

You say potato.

That's cool.

For the most part, managing Type 1 Diabetes is the same.

Doesn't matter where you live or how old you are.

There are some things that are just common ground....insulin....carbs....supplies....

SAME.

But there are differences too....insulin brands, type of carbs, syringes/pens/pumps...

Potato.  Potahto.

Whatever.

Here's the thing.

NPH/Regular was horrible, restricting carbs in my growing toddler was a joke, and shots were a nightmare...FOR US.

It might be absolutely FANTASTIC for YOU.

And that's okay.

This is something I admire about the Diabetes Online Community (DOC) as a whole.

There's a common bond that connects us, despite a myriad of differing details.

You do your thang.  I'll do mine.

In the end, however, I know we have each other's back.

I gave today's DBlogWeek topic a good bit of thought, and wasn't exactly sure what I'd come up with.  I've had the hardest time trying to figure out how to say what's swirling in my heart, so I decided to keep it simple.

Each one of us have different life experiences...different outlooks...different opinions...different styles.

Our differences shouldn't ever divide us.

Because in the end, we're really on the SAME team.

This post is part of the 2011 D Blog Week.  To see all of the posts on today's topic, click HERE.