Thursday, May 25, 2006

Another reason to hope

Thanks to Kassie over at noncompliant, I want to share this article with you.

You know, I've never given up hope for a cure. I begin every day with a prayer before I even get out of bed. I find it's a nice way to start the day. That prayer ALWAYS includes a petition for a cure for diabetes. I also believe that a cure for diabetes (Type I) will be a stepping stone to find a cure for other auto-immune diseases, such as MS.

Even though my day begins with a prayer for a cure, I don't really think about it much more the rest of the day. I go about counting carbs and bolusing insulin as if Riley will always have to do that too.

But, I realized Monday that my hope isn't just for a cure, but for a normal life for Riley. I know it's possible. I read plenty of blogs on the subject. But, on Monday, it just seemed more real for me.

Holden's school held their annual athletic banquet Monday night. One of the teachers at the school has Type I D and wears an insulin pump. She was taking up tickets at the door. She knew Riley was getting a pump and quickly pulled out hers to show to Riley and he showed her his pump. But, that's not what got me.

She is also a cheerleading coach and had to get up in front of everyone to give out trophies. As she was standing there talking, it dawned on me how normal her life is. She has a good job. She has a husband and two daughters. She was Holden's 5th grade teacher. At the time, I didn't know she had D. She didn't get the pump until after she had Holden in her class. I noticed it one day on her waist. Being a nurse, I knew what it was. That was before Riley ever got D.

Then, there is a boy in Holden's class with D. He plays basketball and soccer. He got MVP for soccer. I just looked at him and realized that Riley will have a normal life. It will be his kind of normal. But, isn't that how everyone's life is? My life is my kind of normal.

I've always known that Riley can have a normal life. As I said before, I've read plenty of blogs about it. But, they are my cyberspace friends. I know they exist, but they just don't seem as real.

We had a meal before the presentation of awards. And as I was dosing Riley, I was thinking that there were two other people there doing the same thing. And to them, it was no big deal. It was just part of life. And that was very comforting to me. It just got me thinking that while Riley may always have diabetes, everyone will not always see him as a diabetic. One day he will be a father. He'll have a profession. Diabetes will hopefully be far down on the list of things associated with him.


And, that's not the only thing that happened at the athletic banquet. May I present to you the Most Valuable Player in JV basketball.....



6 comments:

Anonymous said...

Congragulations to Holden! It's great when we can celebrate our children's successes!

Christine said...

I'm really happy for you because I think you are finally getting the point I have commented on several times here- to the people who have diabetes, it's not usually a big deal, just life. And we have normal, full, happy lives, and your son does too and will continue to.

Scott K. Johnson said...

Sweet! Congratulations to Mr. MVP! That's huge!

I totally agree with Megan - everything she said.

Allison said...

"...just looked at him and realized that Riley will have a normal life. It will be his kind of normal. But, isn't that how everyone's life is? My life is my kind of normal."

By George, I think she's got it!

Way to go Mom.

Oh, and Holden too. :-)

Lyrehca said...

Indeed, Penny, I ditto what everyone said. As I read your post I thought, "She's turning a corner here!" I think you're really reaching an important milestone.

And yes, congrats to Riley too.

Jess said...

Wow Holden! Great job!

P- I love those 'moments of zen'
and I hope you keep being at peace about this!