Dear Colin,
It has been 4 years today, November 11th, since you were diagnosed with Type one Diabetes. I thought my life ended that day. I was afraid your life had ended that day. I was afraid you could never be a “normal” child. I remember thinking that you would never eat ice cream, play with your friends or enjoy life. I wondered how you could possibly go to school, get married and play sports. I was scared out of my mind.
I was right about one thing- there is nothing “normal” about you. You have proven to me, over and over, that you are nothing short of EXTRAORDINARY. You do everything I was afraid that you could not do and more. When you received the honor of Character Student of the Month last month at school for being Trustworthy, I cried for an hour. I never dreamed that at 6 years old you would be trusted to check your own blood sugar at school, be honest about your numbers and never sneak a treat without asking. And that honor was the confirmation that I needed that you would be just fine. Your advances in karate prove to me that your confidence will help you through any obstacle put in front of you- diabetes related or not.
Today, when we went out to pancakes, you beamed with delight as you told the waitress “this is my anniversary!!! I have had diabetes 4 years! Bring on the pancakes!!!” She had no idea how to respond, but I did. With a type of pride most mothers never know.
You continue to amaze me each and every day. You constantly surpass every expectation I have ever had for you. How did I get so lucky? What did I do to deserve to have you in my life? Diabetes be damned- you are a daily inspiration to those around you.
Thank you so much for choosing me to be your mommy. It is an honor I will never take for granted.
Love,
Mommy
Certainly mature for his age. You are Both Lucky. I’m Glad that he got his pancakes for such a Special Celebration. Congratulations to Colin.