Being a parent is a difficult shift of life for anyone. Learning how to manage your own life along with the responsibilities of taking care of another human being is commendable. A factor that introduces additional layers of stress for parents is when the child is growing up with a health issue. I was 3-1/2-years-old when diagnosed with Type-1 Diabetes.
I don't remember feeling lethargic and being thirsty for water all of the time. I don't remember wetting the bed even though I was already completely potty-trained. I don't remember leaving doctor's appointments and being told that I was acting differently merely because I was adjusting to living in a house with a new sibling. I don't remember attending one appointment and then being rushed to a hospital where I stayed for two days.
I don't remember being diagnosed with Type-1 Diabetes.
I don't remember learning all about this autoimmune disease. I don't remember adjusting to a completely new lifestyle of blood sugar tests, insulin injections, carbohydrate counting, and regular endocrinologist appointments. I don't remember questioning why my pancreas doesn't make insulin cells like how it is supposed to. I don't remember developing an understanding of how important it is to be aware of my own body. I don't remember being confused about the sudden shift in lifestyle.
But I do know that my mom and dad remember these thoughts, feelings, and experiences as they were faced with the new challenge of having a Type-1 Diabetic toddler. Every day I am thankful for the special people who do double duty as parent and nurse.
Here are 17 thank-yous for the parents of Type-1 Diabetic children.
1. Thank you for giving me my insulin injections.
When I was newly diagnosed, insulin was administered with a syringe. I can't imagine having to learn how to measure insulin from a vial the proper way and then give your own little squirming child a shot in their arm or leg.
2. Thank you for teaching me how to do my own insulin injections.
When I was old enough to need to perform this action on my own, thank you for taking it upon yourself to teach me how.
3. Thank you for taking me to all of my endocrinologist appointments.
4. Thank you for having health insurance.
5. Thank you for monitoring my blood sugar levels.
6. Thank you for taking care of my prescriptions.
Even now, I never have to worry.
7. Thank you for teaching me how to count carbs.
8. Thank you for understanding the difference between Type-1 and Type-2.
This is something that I wish all people understand.
9. Thank you for having diet soda and sugar-free options at the house.
10. Thank you for spending much more time in a hospital than you probably ever anticipated.
Initial diagnosis, dangerously-low blood sugars, ailments from scary-lows...
11. Thank you for equipping me with cute test kits.
Insulin, band-aids, alcohol wipes, poker, extra needles, meter, test strips, glucagon... that's a lot to keep together, so packing it all up into a fun bag to carry around made it a little better.
12. Thank you for always packing snacks.
13. Thank you for inspiring me to see diabetes as a challenge rather than a limitation.
Now, I don't even think twice about daily injections, carb counting, or finger pokes for blood sugar checks; it's all just a part of my life.
14. Thank you for learning how to control this aspect of my health right by my side.
15. Thank you for being so brave.
It made me braver, too.
16. Thank you for always understanding my decisions and preferences.
I will switch to a pump when I'm ready if I'm ever ready. Thanks for never pressuring me.
