We never, in a million years, could have imagined exactly how Edward's life would change, and as parents, ours as well. Over the past 10 years he has taken thousands of shots of insulin, he has been in intensive care twice with a stomach virus, which left him terribly dehydrated, he has been to Camp Joslin for diabetes, as a camper and then as a counselor. Eighth grade was a total loss, as we were all still learning about these disease. Very difficult! He has gone through high school and 4 years of college, he has made the switch over to the insulin pump. He has dealt with 'feeling different', having to go to the school nurse every day before lunch in high school to test and record his blood sugars, and he has dealt with taking care of himself for the 4 years he was away at college. His friends were very protective...(you know who you are!!) As parents, bringing him home from Hasbro was like having a new born. We had to start over. We had to count carbs, begin really reading labels on food, and monitor every piece of food which went in his mouth (at least as far as we could). We had to keep records (books upon books upon books) of how much insulin he was taking everyday, 4 or 5 times a day, there were formulas and ratios which had to be calculated. When he made the switch over to the insulin pump, he was 16. Thankfully, he was able to become more independent. Someone once said something I will never forget. When a diabetic is taking injections, the whole family has diabetes, when he or she goes on the pump, they re-gain their independence. The pump is a wonder of modern technology and he is very blessed, if you will, to be living in such a time as this. He is a young man now, no longer a little boy.
Jimmy and I have met the most wonderful and dedicated families through our involvement with JDRF and have joined with them in their fund raising and advocacy efforts for research to find a cure. I have written about this numerous times on my blog. But, today is 10 years, a decade, since our little boy was diagnosed with this disease. So, Jimmy and I honor him. We think he is extraordinary and courageous and we love him so much.
Here's to you, Edward!!
Post Script: I have received wonderful e-mails and comments from this post, however, I was especially touched when I received an e-mail from Nurse Norman, the nurse @ Edward's high school. I don't know what we would have done w/out her support and friendship for the 4 years Edward was there. Priceless.
Post Script: I have received wonderful e-mails and comments from this post, however, I was especially touched when I received an e-mail from Nurse Norman, the nurse @ Edward's high school. I don't know what we would have done w/out her support and friendship for the 4 years Edward was there. Priceless.
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