Houston . . . We have a Problem!: 3 Years Today

6:00 AM

The years seem to fly by . . . how is it that it has been 3 years since Nate's diagnosis of type 1 diabetes? I rarely get sad about Nate's diagnosis anymore but this evening when I realized that tomorrow was September 17th it hit me hard. I've been a blubbering mess all evening.

I read Nate's diagnosis story and was taken back to that day. One of the worst days of my life. Is Nate healthy and happy today? --- Yes, he's a healthy, happy, holy terror really! It doesn't change the fact though that he was diagnosed 3 years ago with a lifelong medical condition that requires a ton of vigilance to keep him alive.

I found the synonyms interesting for the word vigilant. It is possible only a D-parent will understand how appropriate those synonyms really are.

vig·i·lant/ˈvijələnt/

Adjective:

Keeping careful watch for possible danger or difficulties

Synonyms:

watchful - alert - wakeful - awake - wary - open-eyed

Three years ago I made a promise to Nate and to myself.

I promised I would never let diabetes define Nate Houston.

Diabetes is not who he is ---- diabetes is what he has.
Nate is a spectacular 4 year old little boy that happens to have diabetes.

He also happens to have had his blood sugar checked (finger poked with a needle) over 16,500 times, received over 700 shots of insulin via syringe, and had over 300 pod changes which includes a very large needle inserting a catheter beneath his skin to deliver insulin.

Wow ----- that my friends is pretty spectacular.

He is a brave little boy.
He is a warrior little boy.

He is amazing!! ...and although I am mostly desensitized to the above facts I am occasionally reminded when I see other children watching in horror as I check Nate's sugar or change his insulin pump that it is this is not everyone's normal. Although it is our normal it should not be . . . I am still hopeful for better technology, better insulin, better everything . . . . and most of all I am still hopeful for a cure.

This year we are walking to raise awareness and money for JDRF --- the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundations.

JDRF is the leading global organization focused on type 1 diabetes (T1D) research. Driven by passionate, grassroots volunteers connected to children, adolescents, and adults with this disease, JDRF is now the largest charitable supporter of T1D research. The goal of JDRF research is to improve the lives of all people affected by T1D by accelerating progress on the most promising opportunities for curing, better treating, and preventing T1D. JDRF collaborates with a wide spectrum of partners who share this goal.

Since its founding in 1970, JDRF has awarded more than $1.6 billion to diabetes research. Past JDRF efforts have helped to significantly advance the care of people with this disease, and have expanded the critical scientific understanding of T1D. JDRF will not rest until T1D is fully conquered. More than 80 percent of JDRF's expenditures directly support research and research-related education.

In honor of Nate's 3 year anniversary of living with diabetes I would like to reach our fundraising goal for Nate's JDRF walk team. If you would like to make a donation --- please click the blow link:

Team Super Nate - Sponsored by Quick Sticks

I cannot imagine life without T1D but I'm guessing I could get used to it pretty fast!!

Thank you so much to all that have already made donations ---- we look forward to sharing our walk day photos with you all.

Keep calm and Hope for a Cure . . .

9 comments:

Cdejulius said...

Ditto to everything you said . . .especially about him being such a brave little warrior . . .100% boy . . .he definitely is not letting diabetes define who he is! How blessed we are to have this little guy in our lives!!

September 17, 2012 at 7:53 AM

NikDuck said...

Vigilant is a perfect word for D-Mommas and all we have to do for our kids. I hope you have a very successful JDRF Walk!!

September 17, 2012 at 8:49 AM

Shay said...

Salty liquid. You and Nate are both badasses. As are Emma and Sophie-A. Love you all!

September 17, 2012 at 5:47 PM

Denise aka Mom of Bean said...

Celebrating with you! Four years of bravery and watchfulness!!

September 17, 2012 at 8:59 PM

Cindy said...

Laura, your little boy is just beyond cute. I think I love him almost as much as I love my Leo, and I haven't even met him in person yet! He was one amazing little man and definitely a warrior. You're doing a fantastic job with all your kids. Love to you all!

September 18, 2012 at 8:11 AM

Unknown said...

Thought of you yesterday as we saw Joe's #6 (dx day is the day after Nate's). XO

September 19, 2012 at 4:48 AM

AdeDoyin said...

I've had type 1 diabetes for 14 years and I can honestly say I don't know where I would be without an awesome D-mom like you. Just wanted to stop by and thank you for your support and encourage you!

Ade.

October 10, 2012 at 11:04 AM