I'm a Wiener!

Words are important to me. I love to write. And read. I think words can accomplish great things. Words can also build up or tear down.

Words are powerful.

If you've ever read the 5 Love Languages, I am definitely a word girl. And that's why finding out that I was selected by a local Chick-fil-a as their "Mother of the Year" means so much to me.

Let me say that I totally fall short of this title, but I try. Every day. Even when I don't want to, I drag my bum out of bed and do my best for my kids. Sometimes I wonder if anybody notices.

Apparently, my husband does. He nominated me and submitted an essay on why he thinks I should win.

Mother of the Year.

Four little words.

Yet they gave cause for this Mom to stand a little straighter, smile a little more, and feel okay about herself amidst all the chaos.

And to all you Moms out there. You all deserve this title too. Happy Mother's Day.

Having my say

My letter to the editor was published, and I have the proof! How cool is that! Thanks to Shamae for sending me the hard copy. I really wanted to have it so I could show it to Elise one day.

If you missed the whole kerfuffle, here is the original letter to the editor that had all us D-Mommas up in arms:

Complaint

On Oct. 3, myself and my girlfriend were eating lunch at Burger King. A family came in and sat across the aisle from us. While the father was ordering food, we were shocked and appalled to see a boy inject himself with whatever medication, in front of God and everybody all while sitting at the table. We found this extremely offensive. That sort of business should be done in private. How about a little respect for those around you. Other than the obvious fact that it's not sanitary for those who use the table next, you have no idea how something like that can affect people. People go through a lot in their life and things like that may bring up certain feelings and memories best forgotten. I would like to thank those that day for totally ruining my meal.

And my response (4th draft with expletives and yo-mama jokes removed). It's the one entitled "Injection":

Here is the text in case you are unable to read it:

I do not live in your area, but read the letter from the man who was so disturbed by a child giving himself a shot at a restaurant (October 25 edition) with total dismay. My two year old daughter is a Type 1 Diabetic, and we often have to inject her with insulin when we eat out in public.

The fact that there are people out there who have nothing better to do than complain about something so minor is very disheartening. Does he not understand that the very thing that disgusts him, we have to do in order to keep our children alive?

This person is in desperate need of a lesson in compassion. Diabetes is already a horrible thing to have to live with, and according to the letter writer, we should make our kids feel further isolated and ashamed by giving them their medication in hiding. Where would he prefer we do it, in the bathroom? And he complains that giving a shot in public is unsanitary.

This letter really illustrates the lack of understanding people have about Type 1 Diabetes. I, for one, applaud this young man for bravely taking care of himself, whenever and wherever he is.

I'm glad I was able to toss my two cents in!

Proud of my girl!

Okay, she may be driving me nuts with this sleeping issue, but I have to tell you how proud I am of how Elise handles her diabetes lately.

When it's time to check her BG, she runs to the sink so I can help her wash her hands. She also likes to pick if we're going to test her fingers or toes, and generally shows me the exact one she wants tested.

Same with her shots. When I tell her it's time, she runs over to the spot where we usually sit to give her the shot, and then picks which arm or leg she wants it in. And it's sooooo cute the way she says, " how 'bout THIS one!"

She also likes to check her baby's BG, and sometimes I catch her trying to test the dog too!

It makes me a little sad that she's had to grow up so quickly, but I am also filled with pride that she handles this disease with such maturity.