But it was. And then there was diabetes.
It's a funny day to celebrate. Most in our circle call it a diaversary. Caitlin calls it her diabirthday. She can call it whatever she wants. It's her burden to carry. We're just along for the ride.
Two years.
5,840 finger sticks
1,825 injections
180 pump site changes
75 cgm site changes
12 missed school days for illness and appointments
15 trips to her endocrinologist's office
The burden is hers but she carries it with such grace that it appears effortless. So today we celebrate Caitlin. We celebrate her bravery. Her perseverance. Her strength. And we celebrate with cake because yes, diabetics can eat cake 💖
Wow...2 years already! I still remember getting that call as if it were yesterday. I was on my way to Hampton Beach for my 30 year class reunion and, selfishly, thinking to myself "Mich is a Nurse...she's got this....it's not a big deal" I could not have been more wrong..."It was, and is, a BIG DEAL"!
ReplyDeleteHaving said that, and having witnessed everything that's transpired since the diagnosis, I can tell one thing for sure....my sister Mich, Caitlin, Dave, and Ben are a true testament to "What doesn't kill you makes you stronger"!
As far as Caitlin goes...the girl is amazing!!!! Anybody looking at her from the outside, not knowing what challenges she lives with on a daily basis, would never have a clue that her life is any different than that of any other 11 year old girl. She carries her burden with more grace and dignity than most adults would under far less stressful situations.
So before you start throwing yourself a pity party because you're having a so-called "Worst day ever", imagine spending just 1 day as Caitlin, or Mich, or anyone in that family. You're life isn't so bad, is it?
Do you want to know how I know this? Caitlin...that's how!! She is the person (yes, an 11 year old girl) who taught me (by her actions) to quit whining about the things that don't matter, and get on my life. I realized very quickly that If she can manage to live her life to the fullest carrying that kind of burden every day, I can certainly make it through a tough day "of life throwing me lemons" without the "poor me" attitude that used to come so easily.
So, thank you Miss Caitlin for showing us "big kids" how to deal with life's minor inconveniences. You are a true inspiration, and Aunt Wendi loves you very much!