I smiled when you mentioned the crossbody bag – we actually got Leo two really nice ones as well, and he absolutely refuses to wear them So I can completely relate.
It’s lovely that your son has his sister so close and supportive. Leo has two older brothers, and they help a lot too – sometimes just by being there and making things feel normal again, which I think is incredibly important.
I also recognize what you said about taking some things seriously and ignoring others. We’re seeing a bit of that too, and I guess it’s all part of them finding their own way to deal with this.
How are your nights at the moment? That’s something I still find quite challenging.
And if you have any Facebook groups you’d recommend, I’d love to hear about them.
Thank you again for reaching out – it really means a lot. And the same goes for you, feel free to message me anytime.
Thank you so much – this is incredibly kind of you. I really appreciate you reaching out to Melissa and sharing the contact, that means a lot.
And yes, the celiac test has already been done and thankfully came back negative, which was a big relief. But I completely understand what you’re saying about the immune system… it’s something that stays in the back of my mind.
I’ll definitely take a look at the hiking story – it sounds really inspiring.
Thank you again for taking the time to write and support us
Hi Jana, someone above commented that you didn’t get a direct reply from a parent with a newly diagnosed child as a direct reply - but I have to say that most of us here remember (not only recall, but re-live) our diagnosis because it was a physical, mental, and emotional trauma. There is no easy way around this trauma either, it requires a long conscious effort through “Denial, Anger, Bargaining, Depression, and Acceptance” I can recall the day I was diagnosed like it was yesterday (it was 47 years ago) . Anyway the power of this forum is in the people here being able to identify and talk about what it was like for themselves. I believe that this kind of fellowship is very helpful because we share our experiences, strength, and hope in order to solve our common problem. I also think that a lot of our experiences will be very similar, but like everything Diabetes, what works for some will not work for all.
I HATED insulin. I would stare at that needle and beg and bargain in my brain and sometimes out loud as if I was unjustly punished for something. I was 12, I didn’t have the language then to describe what I was feeling. I don’t mind going back there because it helps me today. If anything I experienced can help you, I feel it is my duty to share it.. and it’s like therapy for me today.
I have a son of my own today, he does not have diabetes (at least as of his 16th birthday). When I am feeling anxiety, anger, whatever, I know in my heart I cannot hide it from him - he sees right through me, so we talk about it. I break character and tell him how being a dad does not come with an instruction manual. I can only hope I don’t come off as trying to hide it, my Dad did, I knew he feared for me, but I knew what he was feeling and I could tell he was hiding it, pretty much the whole time. I only wish he was still here to talk about it.
So I can completely relate.