Living with Diabetes is hard

No, this is not our mantra. And nor is it something I have ever said to Elise. Tonight she broke my heart with those 5 little words.

She's noticing now. She sees that she's different. And she doesn't like it. On Friday she told me that, "having diabetes makes me sad." Oy.

And I don't know what to do for her, besides sitting her down and letting her talk. The problem is, she doesn't say much. Not with her mouth. I don't think she has the words to adequately describe how she's feeling. But in her eyes I can see all the pain and sadness that is swimming inside of her.

I hug her and tell her that it's okay to be sad. That her Poppa and I will always be there to talk to and help take care of her. That we love her. And her diabetes makes her even more precious to us. I tell her how strong she is. But is she getting it?

As a parent, it is so hard to watch your child struggle with something you cannot fix, and neither can she. We have all said this before, but I would take it from her in a heartbeat if I could.

Yes Elise, living with diabetes is hard... but I've seen you in action. You will not only live with diabetes, but live well with diabetes. The great Nelson Mandela said, "The greatest glory in living lies not in never falling, but rising every time we fall."

And you, my sweet daughter, shall rise.

Courage doesn't always roar.
Sometimes courage is the quiet voice
at the end of the day saying,
"I will try again tomorrow."
- Mary Anne Radmacher

Portabili-D

When I think back to a year ago, I marvel at how much more "portable" we are. It took me quite awhile to be okay with packing up all our D stuff, food, supplies, etc. and straying too far from home. Now we just throw everything in a bag or two and have some fun!

Last night was no exception. We took Elise to see my hometown hockey team, the Canucks, take on the "yucky Stars". Elise's words... not mine. No, really!

We had dinner at her favourite restaurant, and took the train down to the arena. It was going to be a late night, so that meant schlepping all her dinner supplies and food (she eats the restaurant food, but I like to bring some healthy choices from home to round out her meal), as well as he bedtime supplies and snack.

When we were giving Elise her bedtime insulin while watching the game, I could hear a whispered conversation behind me. The woman asked her friend next to her what we were giving Elise. I heard him reply, "she must have diabetes.... type 1."

To which she replied, "oh, I feel so sad for her." The exchange was not meant for me to overhear, but due to my superb skill at eavesdropping, I heard the whole thing.

During the intermission, I struck up a conversation with the people behind me, and Elise having diabetes came up. The guy said he saw us give her a shot and figured that's what it was. It turns out he's an EMT, and that's how he knew about type 1.

He then said that Elise looked wonderful and we must be doing a great job handling a terrible disease. Wow, in the span of the week I've run into two people that understand... a new record!

Even though my team lost, it was a great night, and I love making these fun memories with my daughter. Suck on THAT, diabetes!