Our family's "elephant in the room" is a pink one. Our 4 year old daughter was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes in January 2011 at the age of 2 1/2 years old, and it has changed our lives forever. Every season, I post a little update on how we are coping with her condition.
Two years.
As in, we have lived with T1D for two years. Almost half of her whole life.
winter 2012 ~ a year ago when she was 3 1/2 years old
And while I'd love to begin writing this with great optimism that makes it seem like we are sitting astride this wild diabetes beast and taming it...that would not be the truth.
So, instead, I just spent the last hour writing it all out for myself ~ and then I deleted it. I processed through it all, and with a push of the button, I sent it away. (Oh, would that I could do that to diabetes!)
The truth is, who really wants to hear it?
In a nutshell, this is hard. It will always be hard. And for now, we are shouldering all the harder parts that are in our power to give our daughter a more normal childhood. Really, what parent wouldn't?
spring ~ 3 3/4 years old
It hurts my heart how lonely this journey has been on so many levels. I worry endlessly about how Sunshine will grow up coping with such life-threatening decisions. I wish for nothing more than she will live a long life with no complications. And I pray hard that my boys will not develop T1D.
summer 2012 ~ 4 years old
Yet, my Truth is alive and determined and thriving. She snowboards, skates, and wrestles her brothers. She has a clever mind and a sharp wit. She loves anything that is pink, purple or from a ballet. She is silly, endearing and just about the best cuddler you can imagine.
She is perfect.
That is my Truth.
Dear Jules, this anniversary for you has been on my mind and in my heart. I love you, dear!!!
Posted by: Melanie | January 07, 2013 at 05:24 AM
Already, two years. I send you lots and lots of thoughts and hugs!!!!!
Posted by: Diana | January 07, 2013 at 01:27 PM
she is perfect jules and you are the perfect mama to her. i pray everyday for all the same things you do, may they come true. i'm here beside you so please don't ever feel alone my friend.
sending much love from california,
lori
Posted by: lori | January 07, 2013 at 08:26 PM
Yes!
Posted by: Heather | January 09, 2013 at 09:33 PM
OH she is a beauty indeed. I remember reading your post about her diabetes...it was one of my first times visiting your blog. I can't imagine how hard it must be for all of you. I do know that children are amazing and strong and this little girl clearly lets nothing bring her down.
Posted by: angie | January 10, 2013 at 05:35 AM
Thank you all for your kind, kind comments. I know that each of you have held us in your hearts since the beginning of this journey, two years ago. It gives me strength to have friends like you who are there to encourage me when I'm feeling down. Thank you so much...from the bottom of my heart.
xo Jules
Posted by: a little crafty nest | January 10, 2013 at 09:22 PM
beieng also at your side even on the other side of the ocean!
she is as perfect as you are.
I swear!Hugs to you and everyone overthere.
Sanne with John-Boy (doing good at the moment, thaanks to the Lord and the other ones..
Posted by: Sanne | January 11, 2013 at 10:58 AM
Jules- sending love on this two year mark. You're right- she is perfect. And so are you, beautiful mama. Big hugs,
Taisa
Posted by: Taisa | January 11, 2013 at 03:08 PM