My daughter’s preschool teacher had to unexpectedly take a few weeks off. In her instructions to the sub and the other parents who work in the class, she reminded them about my daughter’s snack requirements, etc.
And the teacher said that my daughter is a terrific child for dealing with her diabetes so well.
Of course I think that, but it is good to hear it from others who know her well. Even if the other people who see her on a daily basis only get small glimpses into what the life of a diabetic child is like.
She rarely complains and instead takes it all in stride. She has a lot to complain about and I wouldn’t blame her in the least bit if she did complain once in a while.
Tonight she and my husband were leaving for dance class and in the darkness she ran into the edge of our gate bumping her head.
She came back inside crying and sat beside me in the chair. She said that her head hurt and we gave her an ice pack.
I had been reading the pamphlet that came with her NovoPen Junior insulin pen to make sure I had been changing the cartridges correctly.
She had just about stopped crying from her bump when she looked over to see an illustration of the pen and needle.
She said, “I don’t want to have diabetes and I don’t like getting injections.” And she burst into tears again.
All I could say is “I know, I know” and put my arms around her.
At bedtime I finished reading a chapter of the 33rd Magic Tree House book, turned on her Christmas music that she listens to year round, turned off the light, and snuggled in.
She normally talks for a few minutes. She reminded me to dream of snow. Asked what it was like to get the very first bath after being born. And then she said, “I don’t want to be diabetic.”
I said, “I know. But I am so proud of you.”
She asked, “Will I have diabetes when I am a grown up?”
“Maybe they will find a cure.”
Then she proceeded to tell me that when she is a grown up, her kids will only have to take short two minute naps and can watch two episodes on TV with their bedtime snack.
I didn’t break it to her that the nap is as much to give the parent a break as it is for the child to rest.