This morning I went in the boys room and wished Draco Happy Diabetes Anniversary! He smiled and gave me a big hug. Don’t get me wrong, diabetes is hard. But we are so thankful he is healthy and with us. Four years ago we given the diagnosis of Type 1 diabetes. As I was on Facebook I was able to see my memories through the years. I am so thankful to read so many sweet messages of love and prayers and offers to bring us food or to clean our house. I am thankful that so many helped to bear our burden.
I asked Draco what he would share with someone diagnosed with diabetes. After we clarified what diagnosis means he let me know.
“There is good and bad things with having Diabetes. The good part is sometimes you are low and you get candy. The bad part is sometimes you are high and you need another shot.”
What’s the hardest part to having diabetes?
“That you have to test your blood sugar, count your carbs, and then get a shot all before you can eat.”
Have there been any blessings in your life from diabetes?
“Um… I get to have a snack after my blood sugar comes up again.”
How has having diabetes helped you understand the Resurrection?
“I know I will get a new body that doesn’t need insulin.”
I love recording his thoughts on diabetes when he is 7. He is such a trooper! I love his good attitude on this trial he is facing. And I know it’s hard for me as a mom. Hard to have to figure out his carbs. It’s hard when he’s sick and I have to worry about his numbers in addition to whatever illness he is facing. And it’s hard when he has some scary numbers. One time in this past year his numbers were so low. They took me forever to get them up. While we were waiting to test again I kept trying to keep him awake and talking. At one point he couldn’t tell me the names of his aunts.
And even though it can be hard I know that we are so blessed. Last January I saw All Things Thrifty share a Facebook status about a little girl fighting for her life. Our family started praying for her every night. Several days later I realized this sweet girl had been diagnosed with type 1 diabetes. But things happened very quickly for sweet Kycie. My heart broke. Part of me didn’t want to tell my sons that this sweet girl that we are praying for had diabetes. I didn’t want to scare Draco. But I also knew I had to tell them. We continued to pray for this sweet family and I started following them on Facebook. Gandalf even fasted for her with me (Draco can’t fast himself). It was Gandalf’s first time really fasting for someone. The faith and the testimonies of her parents has blessed my life. Sweet Kycie has helped raised awareness and saved so many other lives. Just yesterday it was 6 months since she has returned home to our Heavenly Father. I know that she has completed her mission here on earth. But that doesn’t mean there isn’t heartache. I won’t forget about that sweet and courageous young girl. I am so thankful for eternal families and a plan of happiness.
So today we remember a sparkling young girl. And we give thanks that our own loving son is still with us today. I love his big heart. I love how patient and kind he is to his baby sister. And I also love his Jack Black eyebrows, that furrow at me and sometimes threaten me that I won’t be getting any presents this Mother’s Day. I love his serious side and every quirk that makes me seriously crack up. He brings so much laughter to our home.
His numbers have been off the last week or so. I feel like we work so hard to get his numbers good only to have him grow or have some other changes and now we have to figure it all out again. I am so thankful for all our friends and family who have helped us and supported Draco. Check out this webpage Test One Drop to find out more about Type 1 Diabetes. Know the symptoms and be sure to ask your doctor to test one drop if you have any concerns.
And if you would like to read about some blessings that have come into our lives check out this post from last year.
Happy Diabetes Day Draco!
