This summer we took a trip to Vancouver. It was amazing to be back, and even better; amazing to share the place I love with my kiddos now that they're all old enough to appreciate it.
What made my heart smile was watching Elise just be a kid. She carries such a heavy burden at times, and it's great when she can put it down and just enjoy the moment. Like the picture above; shoes off, and running down the beach with the pure joy that children only seem capable of.
About a week ago, we had our final 504 meeting at the elementary level. To say we have been taken care of and had every need met by our school and district, would be a vast understatement. At school, we know that she is loved and safe. During the meeting, we talked a bit about the transition into middle school, and for some reason this picture above came to mind.
To me, middle school is growing up. It's older kids and mean girls. It's responsibility and pressure. Chaos. Too many teachers and too easy to get lost. It scares me.
The other day, as we were getting ready for a dex change she started to cry. "Mama," she said, "what will happen to me when I'm older and have to do all this by myself? What if I can't do it?"
Let me interject that she does a great deal of it on her own as it is; pump changes, carb counting, finger poking and bolusing. As her dex goes on the back of her arm, that can be a bit tricky.
As we talked and I reminded her how far she has come, the tears slowed and a smile slowly crept back onto her face. The moment passed, dex was changed, and she ran off to play with her lego.
Because for now, she's still a child, like the one in the photo. Next year will bring what it will. And we will be ready.
