What's that thing on your arm?
Since switching to the tubeless Omnipod pump system she's asked this question often. Her T-Slim sat hooked at the waist of her pants with just a peek of tubing showing. It was discreet, out of the way. She started the Omnipod the day before leaving for Clara Barton, her diabetes camp. Everyone knows what "that thing" is there. She was over two weeks into wearing it when she went to a regular day camp. She came home a little upset that several children had asked her what that thing was. I know a day will come when she wears her devices with pride and welcomes questions about her gadgets. But that day is not now. Not for a twelve-year-old girl on the cusp of puberty wanting nothing more than to fit in.
She picked a pretty pod last night, one I'd painted silver with holographic sparkles. "Where do you want to put it", I asked. "Where nobody can see it", said she.
This little piece of technological marvel keeps my girl alive. I want her to wear it proudly and show the world that she is living well with Type 1 Diabetes. That she's beautiful and smart and active and healthy. That diabetes isn't what they see on tv. That it comes in all shapes, sizes, and ages and that people, young and old, are thriving with it.
Until then, we'll hide her pods wherever she wants.
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