We've come far... and have many to thank.

 We have come so far and have so many people to thank.

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.