Saul was born Sept 28, 2010. 15 months later he was
diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes. Our
lives were completely changed. I had to leave my job. I had to learn how to do
math… and give shots (the math was way harder than the shots). I had to learn
how to operate an insulin pump, how to communicate with a non (or nearly non)
verbal child. I’ve witnessed 4 seizures.
We’ve had the ambulance at our house twice. I’ve administered Glucagon.
We’ve been blessed (thanks to the support of our family,
friends, community members and generous donations) to add one of the most
important tools in our daily struggle and fight with diabetes. ADA (our diabetic alert service dog in
training) joined our family in July. We
continue to rely more and more on her skills as she progresses through training
and proves herself over and over.
This week “Team Saul” grew… a lot… and the support,
encouragement and love has been overwhelming.
Saul started Montessori on Wednesday. The experience has
been incredible. Saul’s teachers are amazing.
A-MAZE-ING. The reassurance they
provide, the confidence they exude- their sincere concern for him and his well-being
make any worry I might have ever had just disappear.
Sure, I know it’s only day 2.
And day 1 wasn’t “perfect.” (BG at snack time = 308. Glazed
eye look during “recess” = BG of 44. Yes. 44).
That’s life. That’s diabetes. That’s a three-year old who is
still hypoglycemic unaware.
But to include more people- to have others nurturing, loving,
and watching out for him-makes our team stronger… and in turn gives me strength.
I want to publicly thank the Saint Agatha community for
reaching out to Saul. I want to thank Mr. Pica, Mrs. Lane, Mrs. Benson, and
especially Mrs. Leslie who have all (not only said… but shown) how much they
want Saul…and ADA… (though we’ve still got a few more years for her).
And a special thank you to Phil and Linda (my mother and
father in law) for all the support they have given us over the past two years
and for affording us the opportunity to have this experience.
Now… if Saul can keep his clothes on, his mouth shut (at
least a ¼ of the time) and keep from getting into too much trouble… we’ll be
set.
