Start of School

As everyone seems to be preparing for the first day of school in 2 days, you can feel the excitement. Went to the store last night and the isle of school supplies looked like a tornado had passed through them.

Times like these make me sad. While everyone (including us) are preparing backpacks, crayons, markers, notebooks, pocket folders and numerous other school supplies, we have to prepare a basket of medical supplies and fill out a 4 page medical information form. We have to have the doctor fax a letter to the school giving permission for Nathan to get treatment. We have to pack glucagon and hope to God they never have to use it.

Days like today are one of those reality checks. I don't often cry, but today is an exception. Days when you realize, this sucks! When you have to write down all the things you do every day to keep your child alive, it hits home.

It's been tough this last couple of weeks. Nathan's stated a couple of times that he's ready to be done with diabetes. I hope that someday soon his wish can be true.

How God Selects the Mother of a Diabetic Child

While looking up info about the Patron Saint of Diabetics, I stumbled upon a "poem" by Erma Bombeck. It was called "How God Selects the Mother of a Diabetic Child". We often discuss that we know God chose Nathan to be diabetic for some reason. We talk about the fact that we're not sure why yet, but in time we will know the true reason why. I never really thought about God choosing me to be a mother of a diabetic, but it makes as much sense as Nathan being chosen. I didn't like some parts of her poem, so I've modified it. For a look at the unmodified version, you can go to: http://tudiabetes.com/profiles/blog/show?id=583967%3ABlogPost%3A96082

How God Selects the Mother of a Diabetic Child
by Erma Bombeck Modified a great deal by me.

Some women become mothers by accident, most by choice, a few by social pressures and a couple by habit. Did you ever wonder how mothers of children with diabetes are chosen? Somehow I visualize God hovering over earth selecting his instruments for propagation with great care and deliberation. As he observes, he instructs his angels to make notes in a giant ledger.

"Armstrong, Beth, son. Patron Saint Matthew."

"Forrest, Marjorie, daughter, Patron Saint Cecilia."

"Rutledge, Carrie, twins. Patron Saint Gerard. He's used to profanity."

Finally, He passes a name to an angel and smiles, "Give her a child with diabetes." The angel is curious. "Why this one, God? She's so happy."

"Exactly", smiles God. "Could I give a child with diabetes to a mother who does not know laughter?"

"She has the patience?" the Angel agrees.

"Once the shock wears off, she'll handle it. I watched her today. She is strong. You see, the child I am going to give her will require great care. It's not going to be easy."

"But, Lord, could this make her stop believing."

God smiles. "No. This one is perfect. She has a strong faith in me." God nods. "Yes, this is the woman whom I will bless with this child. I will be at her side every minute of every day of her life because she is doing my work."