Tuesday, December 28, 2010

What A Difference A Year Makes

Last year was our first Christmas after Grace's diagnosis. Though she was diagnosed in late January, and we had almost a full year under our belts, Christmas was a disaster. Two infusion sites failed in one week. I was overwhelmed by the stress of trying to figure out how to mix a holiday traditionally filled with food, food, and more food, with our new diabetic ways. And my husband was dealing with his own issues - namely a persistent denial that his daughter was facing a lifelong chronic condition (cut to him giving her two HUGE pieces of pie for dessert and not blousing for it!). And her numbers! Good Lord we couldn't keep her below 250 (see my husband). As it turned out, Grace was taking a huge leap off her honeymoon. We were finally able to make some BIG adjustments to bring her back in line. But it was exhausting and stressful and really, really hard.

At the time I wasn't blogging yet, and hadn't really even found any other D mamas to commiserate with.

Then I had a similar situation over spring vacation .

Then I started blogging.

Then the world seemed to lift off my shoulders.

I found online a community just like me. I could vent. I could cry. I could celebrate. I could listen. I could learn. And I became a better person and a better pancreas for it.

And here we are a year later. Grace's blood sugar was not perfect on Christmas day, but they were damned good, all things considered. We all enjoyed receiving our Ornapod, as well as lots of holiday cards from other D families (our favorite game was to play, "Guess which one's the diabetic!").

I believe it truly takes a village to raise a child. This is exponentially true when raising a child with diabetes. My community includes family, friends, co-workers, doctors, nurses, and the DOC. Thank you all for being part of my team.

7 comments:

  1. Ohhhh that first year is hard, even harder is the ending of the honeymoon when it REALLY gets tough and Diabetes becomes even more of an enemy! But hey, we all are a great team, aren't we? :)

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  2. I feel your pain my friend! OH, how that first year sucked!!! Then came diagnosis number 2!!! Suckity suck suck! I am just know getting to a place of feeling ok, finding my joy again and soooooo thankful for that AND for the DOC. They have been a huge part of my healing...I just did a post about how this is my first Christmas in years that I was actually able to feel like I wanted to celebrate!

    (((hugs)))

    It does take a village...doesn't it!

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  3. Yep.."A Village" and I am so fortunate to be hangin' in the Village with you and the others. I am so glad that you found this Christmas was much better "d"-wise and emotionally. We love you and Grace!!! xoxo

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  4. Oh isn't it grand to be in a different place than last year?! I am so very glad you are Pam and so very glad to be traveling a journey that neither if us wanted for our 'Graces' with none other than you! It takes a village to keep us all sane and upright and carrying on. Here's to a 2011 that is spectacular for all of us in the DOC!

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  5. Oh yeah.... What a difference a year makes! And the DOC? Makes all the difference in the world, doesn't it? I would hate to think of where I'd be without all the wonderful people Ive met. I'm guessing it would be a dark place. So glad that this year was better for you!

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  6. If I have to be part of a village, the DOC village is certainly the coolest on the block.

    I loved your 'guess the diabetic in the photo' game! We kind of did that, too. Glad I am not the only one.

    Merry Christmas!

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  7. Hello! I've added you to my blogroll and your blog will be in the February additions blog post. Could you do me a favor and fill out this form so that I make sure to have all the correct info? Thanks!

    http://www.d-mom.com/blogroll-submission/

    ReplyDelete