Wednesday, September 8, 2010

6 months...

It's between the 12 and 3 AM checks, David is having a hard time getting to sleep so while I try to nurse him to sleep I am typing with the other hand to get this post in today. In a few hours my little ones will be heading out the door for their first day of school. In years past I would have breathed a sigh of relief that everyone made it out the door in one piece and then I would start in on cleaning the house. After having the kids home all summer, I'd find all of the places that got a little neglected as we played. Not this year. This year I will be vigilantly hanging out and finding projects to do around the school until I am relatively sure they will be able to take care of my little one's health issues. Education wise, this school is great. The staff is top notch! I am continually impressed at the dedication the teachers have for their students.

There is a small problem with the school though, the way they manage chronic health issues. There is only a nurse in the building one day a week. That is not enough for a mom of a T1D to fee comfortable with. The secretaries are awesome and one in particular is willing to help Bekah with her D care, daily. It's just so difficult for me to let go just yet and let her do it all. I love this gal and I know she is going to be an awesome helper for Bekah. I still have a difficult time with the idea that in a hospital setting, 2 nurses have to sign off on insulin doses but in a school the secretary who is not a nurse can just do this. It just doesn't sit right with me.

I digress...the whole purpose for this post was to take a look back. You see, today is Bekah's 6 month diaversary. In six months, Bekah has become a pro at doing her own BG checks. She has learned how to give her self insulin injections including dialing the dose on her pen, she is able to detect low BGs with amazing accuracy (catching most before they fall under 70), she gained back the 15 lbs her small frame lost and looks very healthy now. Her latest accomplishments include rocking a pink Ping (insulin pump) and learning how to count carbs, a little. I am continually amazed at her strength and bravery as she tackles this blasted disease!

Only a few weeks after Bekah's dx, I was surfing the net and came across a story. This story hit way too close to home. So many similarities. A six year old little girl, mom didn't know what was wrong, she was the third born child etc. Only this little girl didn't make it out of ICU. So today I thank God that I have the privilege of giving my little girl shots, or placing insets and as much of a pain the paper work to take D to school was, I am so thankful that I got to do it. Sure I would love the mostly kid free time to do some much needed cleaning around the house instead of hanging out at the school later today, but I am glad I get to be there and didn't have to face the unthinkable.

When I get down and start to feel the nuisance that D is, I think of that mom (and others in the same boat) that lost her daughter and hug my daughter a little tighter thanking God that I have the privilege of getting up at night to check her BG or measure the jelly on her toast etc.

6 comments:

  1. Great perspective Heidi. I appreciate your positive outlook...just 6 months in was a hard time for me. I wasn't very positive at all.

    You and Bekah are doing remarkably well...and I applaud all that your are doing at the school to help educate the staff. The staff sounds wonderful. Here in Joe's district they have full time nurses at all of the schools - YEAH...but refuse any, and I mean ANY delegation...even giving a sugar tablet if Joe was low and no school nurse was available. I got that changed somewhat...but it is an extreme on one end of the pedullum.

    Happy first day of school to you and your family!

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  2. 6 months! WOW! It sounds like you and Bekah are doing amazing given that time frame. It must be a difficult situation to be in, not having a nurse available every day. You are an awesome mom for making the best with what you've got.

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  3. You continue to amaze me my dear friend. You are so positive. I still cant help but think that I failed you both in not seeing how sick Bekah was that day you came to my house, but I WILL NOT dwell on the negative. You guys have come so far and you have learned so much! Im so proud of you! You have such a unique ability to see the light at the end of every tunnel you come to. I love you Heidi. You and your beautiful family.

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  4. What a great reminder about how blessed we all are. Bekah sounds like she is doing so well with all of her responsibilities!
    Our school is the same - one nurse over 6 schools. It is pretty frustrating. I lucked out this year with a diabetic teacher. If only it could be that way always, eh?
    Good luck - I hope it is a great year for Bekah.

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  5. She has so many great accomplishments in 6 months! Go Bekah! Hope this school year goes smoothly for you!

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  6. She has come a long way in 6 months! High five Bekah! Good luck with school! I'm heading off to give my kids my an extra squeeze. Thanks for the gentle reminder.

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