I have been sitting here this morning looking up some information on the internet and I couldn't help but feel a little guilty. Diabetes takes up so much of my time throughout the day (& night)! I try very hard as a mom to make everything as normal and fair as humanly possible for all of my children. I try so hard not to treat Brenden and Christopher any differently than I do my girls, but let's face it...I do sometimes.
Have I been neglecting my other four kids...my girls?
Since Brenden has been diagnosed, I have spent a lot of time away from home. He has gymnastics every Monday, Wednesday and Friday evenings for 2 hours each night. I have to go with him to make sure he is checking his blood sugar, and to treat when he goes low (which has been happening a lot lately, despite the additional snacks given before and during).
Brittaney has been the 2nd mom here at home. She takes care of the kids while I am gone. She ensures homework and chores get done. She makes sure they eat (I leave here at 3:35 and don't get home until around 6:45). I couldn't do this without her...have I told you how amazing she is?
Kehli is my quiet, but totally silly child! She asked me a question the other day that made me stop in my tracks. She asked me if she could get diabetes by getting pricked from one of the boys needles or something. I haven't really ever thought about whether my kids really understood that this disease is NOT contagious. I thought they all understood but evidently not. I wonder how long she has had these questions swirling around in that lovely brain of hers? How much worry was caused because I didn't think to ask the right questions or inform her properly? So, we had a good long talk and I answered her questions. I think we are going to have a FHE about diabetes and set the record straight about some things and answer ANY questions the kiddos have.
Katelyn keep everyone laughing. She loves to watch the boys do their testing and shots. She has even tested her BS a few times recently. I think she secretly thinks it's kind of cool. I'm sure she would feel otherwise if she HAD to do it every day. She helps to keep perspective in a crazy time of our lives. Her laugh is so contagious and sometimes that is all you need...to laugh really hard! Thanks for making everyone so happy!
Tayler doesn't know life without diabetes. This is just normal to her. She asked the other day if Brenden had taken his insulin yet. How many 3 year olds even know the word insulin? We have caught her on many occasions getting the boys lancets (finger-pokers) and trying to "take her blood sugar". She is patient while we wait in line to get our grocery bags full of prescriptions at the pharmacy. She has kissed the boys "owies" for them. Though I don't think she fully understands, she is so empathetic to her big brothers! It is so sweet.
How thankful I am to these little heros for being so patient with Rich and I as we try and figure this all out. I do KNOW that this affects their lives in a BIG way too. They may not have the disease but diabetes affects the entire family. The girls have been so patient as we have had to give extra time to their brothers. Here's a positive...at least the boys share a room so the girls aren't woken up during the middle of the night blood sugar checks.
So girls...know this~
Your Dad and I couldn't love you any more than we do! We stand in awe of the support and love that you give to your brothers and to us. I wish every diabetic child had sisters like you, and every diabetic parent had daughters like you. Please know that you are not invisible to us...quite the opposite. Your inner and outer beauty are absolutely radiant and shining forth so brightly!
I love you and am so proud to be your mom!!
~I am officially declaring today...~
Diabetes Siblings Day!!
(You ROCK!!)
P.S. In case any of you are wondering...we will be cheering the STEELERS to the win!!
We have low blood sugar "parties"!!
Christopher's blood sugar was 70 (and falling).
