I have spoken often here how much I love parents of type 1 children. I have always felt they are God’s gift to us children.
I lost my Dad over the weekend. I lost my parent, champion ,cheerleader, campanion, doctor, coach, the list goes on and on what my parents were for me.
I have always been in awe of how they just handled everything that was thrown at them that horrible day in September of 1970. I know they were thrilled I was going to live because it was pretty touch and go for awhile. And to hear I would be ok was probably the greatest thing they heard that whole week.
But than reality sets in & the horrible outlook I faced and how things would change forever. And they did for not just me but for everyone in the family.
How do you deal w/ that first injection that you must do everyday to your little child? How do you handle that first argument that I didn’t want to eat that spinach but had to because insulin was already taken? How do you handle that first low where Dad sets on the child while Mom gets the juice into you? How do you handle that first seizure as you watch helplessly waiting for the ambulance? How do you try & focus on the whole family not just the one with diabetes? How do you put on a happy face knowing what life might be like? How do you know when to turn over the controls or that I’m ready to be on my own
I don’t know how my parents knew. But they did. Was every decision they made the best, no but what parent can say that. And did the diabetes just throw a whole set of variables into the mix, you bet. But even though I have been out on my own for a very, very long time with a family of my own, my Dad would always ask about my diabetes. Even though everything I do now is nothing like it was back in 1970. A parent never stops caring and never stops worrying.
So I believe my Mom and Dad are now back together and smiling together, knowing that all their love, all their caring, all their knowledge helped me get here. So Dad the diabetes is good and so am I.you will always be in my heart right along with Mom. Always! God Bless all those parent of type 1 diabetes children and God Bless my Dad! Love you Dad!
Sally, I am sorry for your loss. You have indeed lost a best friend as well as a father.
I’ve said many times that I think parents of kids with this disease have the hardest role of all. I’ve rarely read such an eloquent description of what that involves. My deepest condolences to you and your family on your loss.
Your post touched my heart. I was not diagnosed with diabetes until many years after I left my parents’ home. For the last 10-15 years of my parents’ lives, they always sincerely inquired about how I was doing living with diabetes. They knew very little about diabetes, but in their heart, they got it. I guess they got it as only a loving parent can. They knew my struggle wasn’t easy and they often asked about it during phone calls or visits.
It’s one of life’s ironies that children can find difficulty understanding their parents until the children also become adults and rear their own children. I’m sorry for your loss, Sally. May the memory of your parents grant you comfort when you need it. Take care!
Thanks everyone for the kind words. It has been incredibly hard to deal with. And I know it will be a long time until I can go a day without tears welling up.
But I wanted you all to know that even in this horrible time, I and my parent continue to advocate for diabetes.
I got to read my post during my Dad’s service as I had shared it with our priest and he asked if I would like to read it. So as I read to our family and friends and as I cried, I let people know how hard it is for parents and family and those of us with diabetes.
I had many people afterwards thank me for sharing and helping them understand how wonderful our parents are. And how hard diabetes can be for a family. I love my family dearly and I love my online family also. Let’s all pull together and get the word out about diabetes and while many of us live very well with it, it isn’t easy by any means. Love you and God Bless everyone!
I’m so sorry you lost your dad, it sounds like he was an amazing father.
But this post was super encouraging, you made get all teary! 
Dearest Sally, I am so sorry for your loss 
️ From a mother of a son aged 3 with Type1 your message brought me to tears.
God bless you, I’m sure your Father is watching down on your sweet sweet soul 