Thursday, February 3, 2011

"Just how it is"

Somehow tonight Maddison and I ended up talking about toddlers and very young children with Diabetes. I always think to myself how lucky we are that Maddison was 6 when she was diagnosed. I just cannot imagine the heartache of having a tiny one with Diabetes. There is a HUGE difference between living with Diabetes at age 2 than living with Diabetes at age 6. Diabetes is heart breaking for anyone, especially for any child.....but my heart just breaks into a million pieces when I think of babies and toddlers with Diabetes!!!

So anyway, I mentioned to Maddison once again how fortunate we are that she didn't have Diabetes when she was 2 or 3 or 4. We talked about the challenges a parent would face when it came to treating lows in a toddler that didn't want to eat. Chasing down your baby for shots...Poking the tiniest finger when they just don't understand why....

As always, Maddison's outlook on her Diabetes never ceases to amaze me....

Maddison: "Yeah, Diabetes for babies just isn't fair. Because they don't understand. It isn't so sad for me though, because I was 6 and I knew why I had to have shots. And now I'm 10, and Diabetes is just how it is. It's like it isn't even there anymore. Its just something I do because I have to. Its just how it is."

And then, Maddison just looked at me with her big brown eyes and smiled. She just smiled. As if to say, "I'm good Mom. Don't worry about me." And then, my heart smiled too......

9 comments:

Deanna said...

What a beautiful conversation. This made my heart smile too. <3

Unknown said...

I'm smiling too. What a sweet heart. You know...Joe was pretty cool with "d" even at three. Funny how those days are now a blur.

(((HUGS))) to your beautiful Maddi!

Joanne said...

Awwwwww, what a sweet girl you have. Sounds like she has a good head on her shoulders!

Gerry @Foodness Gracious said...

Wow...and thats the results of great parenting!

Unknown said...

Smiling heart.

Cuz, you know, she was all grown up at SIX.

Love these baby girls of ours. Not ready for them to grow up.

connie said...

She sounds so sweet! She made me smile over here too :)

Hallie Addington said...

What a doll she is!! It wasn't fun having your baby dx'd right after turning 3. But I'm not sure 6 is any better. Every age has it's own positives and struggles. I just hope Ave is as "ok" with it as Madison seems to be! Give her a big hug from us!!

Pam said...

Out of the mouths of babes...

I'm smiling here with you in New England!

Penny Ratzlaff said...

Thank you for sharing this. It amazes me sometimes how stong our kids are.

Riley was three when he was diagnosed and he didn't understand, not that a 6, 7, 8, or even 50 year old will ever fully understand. He was really good in the hospital and took his shots and sticks with no complaints. But, when he got home we had to chase him around the house and hold him down to give his injections. I think he thought that when he got home he wouldn't have to take shots anymore. It was heartbreaking to say the least.

Again, thank you for sharing. It's nice to be reminded once and a while that our kids really are going to be OK.