A few thoughts (not grand enough to be called Life Lessons!) I have learnt so far from Mothering Diabetes
1. Never underestimate how well people can adapt to challenges One minute TD couldn’t stand
the sight of blood, and injections left her quaking in the corner. The day after diagnosis, she learnt how to do
all her own finger prick testing and to inject insulin into her stomach and
legs several times a day. We as parents
learnt to cope with a range of fears and horrors that we would wish on no
parent whatsoever.
2 Going to social occasions can be interesting. People's reactions to TD"s pricking her finger and injecting insulin vary from the curious to the doubtful. Kind friends have even offered to eat her chocolate, telling it was not good for her health.
3 Give each other space to breathe and, at the same time, hold each one close. Trust is a way of life.
We need to be able to trust ourselves to be doing the best we can. We trust TD to look after herself. We trust the greater universe in TD’s safe
keeping.
4 You will deal with challenges in a unique way. Learn from others, but don't be scared to follow your own path. Everyone has different ways of dealing with difficult situations. What works for one family dealing with a person with diabetes doesn’t necessarily work for another. People react differently in crises, and
that’s ok.
5 Up until the teenage years, boundaries are more easily defined. Children are often more compliant than teenagers, as is the usual path of life. There's a fine line between independence for a teenager and responsible parenting. Independence
is so important, but so is being safe.
6 Never sweat the small stuff. Sometimes we need to look at the bigger
picture and not worry about the occasional slip ups
7 Going to sleep may become a challenge, but the quantity and quality of your sleep will determine how well you function in your waking hours.
8 Let your body communicate with you, and listen! Never underestimate the mind/ body connection. We have the numbers to prove it. Stress, tiredness, excitement, apprehension all influence TD's glucose readings.
9
You can be spontaneous, as long as you plan it meticulously. It's lovely just to get up and go, but remember to pack the insulin, the glucose meter, the emergency kit, extra carbs, a few needles and spare batteries....
10 Down to earth is an excellent policy. Being sensible with the diabetes management takes a lot of stress out of it all. Be practical, avoid panics and stress, and the glucose graph will thank you.
So this is the part where I should tell how
you how grateful I have been to have had the opportunity to learn these lessons
through TD’s diabetes. Absolutely
not. I am not and will never be grateful
that TD has T1. It is an appalling disease
and I wish no-one had it. It didn’t happen “for a reason” It isn’t "a gift” It is not a “learning opportunity.” It is an
illness. Life lessons can be learnt in
so many ways that don’t involve my daughter’s daily life and long term health.
Sometimes the best life lesson is just to hang on to your sense of humour. If you have read between the lines, and understand my quirkiness, please send me a smiley face!!
Sometimes the best life lesson is just to hang on to your sense of humour. If you have read between the lines, and understand my quirkiness, please send me a smiley face!!
