32 YEARS

If you look in this blog's archives, I think I am correct that you will find a post on this day June 21 for every year of the blog's existence.  I will even say that this is most likely a happy birthday to this blog as it was begun on June 21, 2012 with a post titled "Celebration".  So happy birthday to this blog!

More importantly, what a blessing it is to document 32 years since The Girl's Type I Diabetes diagnosis on this day!  I still remember that day as clearly as it were a few minutes ago (nowadays I have to ponder what I did yesterday).  I remember the navy t-shirt she wore with her beautiful navy checked shorts....and those bangs!  Oh, the terrible things I did to her hair as a child in the name of beauty!

I see great things today in the medical world in many areas but especially in diabetes.  That's what is closest to my family so maybe I notice those things more.  Insulin pumps, sensors that read blood sugars without finger sticks, more available tasty foods, and so much more are there for those with this disease.  When discussing my mother's diabetes and shots with her and my dad yesterday, my mind recalled that for many many years I mixed two insulins in one syringe two times every day...and later on The Girl did it more often than that.  Now insulin goes into the body via a thin tubing inserted and is dispensed and dosing figured with a button to push.  I'm so so grateful for all these things.  So.  So. Very. Grateful.

I was also remembering how that in the beginning of the disease for The Girl, it was emphasized that the treatment was a "team" consisting of the patient, the patient's family, the endocrinologist, and the family doctor along with other specialists such as eyes, feet, and pharmacy.  These days things have changed even more, and maybe not necessarily for the better, as much medical is an issue one has to take care of themselves.  However, the Girl's Endocrinologist is fabulous, knowledgeable, and oh so caring.  The PCP who diagnosed her all those years ago is retired now, but has been supportive even still.  Blessed we are!

With that said, diabetes is a personal disease.  I had to remember that although our little family of three was always affected, and then when The Girl married, The Son-In-Law was affected, ultimately it is The Girl's disease.  In support of her and her disease, it became a bit part of us.  And ultimately, she doesn't let diabetes control her but accepts it, does her best to control it, and even instead of saying "Why me?", she says "Why not me?"  I really look back and find it to be normal.  

To say I am proud of her and the fine woman she has become would be a gross understatement.  This blog and its many posts about her would attest to that.  I know life with diabetes is not easy but has become a way of life.  I will honestly tell you that when I see her smiling face and her healthy looks, my heart overflows with joy.    Take a look....

Pure Joy.  Beauty.  Love.  

I read something the other day that stuck hard with me.  It said something like "Having faith when the answers to your prayers are exactly what you want is easy.  It's when those answers are not what you want that faith becomes really real."  That saying made me think.  

As I thought about my own prayers over the past 32 years, I know that I have asked for a cure for diabetes in The Girl's lifetime.  I have asked for the ability for her to control her diabetes decently.  I have asked for healthy eyes and feet.  She usually tells me when she's hurt her foot and follows that with "and the best thing is I FELT it!"   It's the little things but I know that no matter what I pray and what the answer is, I know the one who controls it all and that is my Lord and Savior.  The best thing about The Girl is diabetes or no diabetes, HE is HER Lord and Savior also!

So on this day, I rejoice that I can write a little about my girl, her diabetes, life with diabetes, and how to cope.  Life is good. 

Face this day with real faith and joy and consider....