I'd like to say that's a great sign, that it means diabetes isn't a huge focus in our home anymore, but that, my friends, would be a stretch. The date itself is not terribly significant in our home and we don't really honor it. The diagnosis, however, is every bit as significant today as it was five years ago when it snuck into our home and took our healthy baby girl's chance at a carefree life.
Don't get me wrong, we have adjusted to our "new normal" as well as can be expected and D is routine in our home. Diabetes doesn't control our lives or stop us from living them fully, but we do still live diabetes 24 hours a day, every single day. We still test and treat and poke and prod our little girl all day and all through the night to keep her safe, every single day. We still count every carb that passes her lips and calculate the endless variables of insulin, diet, exercise, illness, stress, excitement, hormones and meds that affect her blood sugar every moment, every single day. We carry emergency supplies for a walk around the block, plan carefully and thoroughly for every activity and worry about her health and safety and future, every single day. We also invest a huge amount of money into Rx's and gadgets and hope... Diabetes is a money pit and as the years go by the price only seems to get higher. So the problem with this new normal is that no matter how routine it becomes, it's still not -at all- normal, even after five years of living it around the clock, every single day.
I must admit that the affects of D on our family haven't been all bad. I'm not sure if I'd call it "a blessing and a curse," though, maybe more of a curse, with a few blessings on the side. lol
We have learned a lot. More than most people, even most doctors, will ever know about diabetes. Knowledge is power and we are a powerful force against this disease. We are fearless advocates for our daughter and for all people living with type 1 diabetes.
We have been tested to our limits and have screamed and cried out in fear and frustration. But we have laughed a LOT more than we have cried and we've become stronger, braver, more compassionate and closer than many families. Our daughter is showered with love and attention that few children ever experience. People are drawn to her in a way that is almost supernatural. She is amazing. We are blessed in spite of our struggles. She is blessed in spite of her pain. We are lucky in so many ways.
We have also made many friends online who are our world wide support group. We share a bond with so many people that we've never even met, all because of diabetes. We have become a valuable resource to those new to this beast, and we have countless friends who are always there for us when we are overwhelmed. We are so grateful to all of you!
So as we begin this 6th year with diabetes, and approach our little sweeties 6th birthday, we will remember to count our blessings. The most precious things in life may not come easily, but they are always worth the srtuggle. We love you sweet girl!
