I think back to that day, that September 26th, 1992 day; so very often.
The trip up to Stony Brook Hospital. The day Kaitlyn was diagnosed.
Perhaps my observation training as an actor, perhaps that observation training as a parent. The smell of the hospital. The scenery as you drive up to the hospital at least four times a year always bought me back to that fateful day each and every time. It probably will never leave my mind.
Recently, it was time for Kaitlyn to leave the pediatric-endo unit at Stony Brook Hospital…..time to find someone who she was comfortable with into adulthood.
I do no know if I ever thanked Dr. Thomas Wilson and his team. His direct and incredibly patient personality is a key reason we got through the early years. I will never forget our first meeting after we left the hospital upon diagnosis and how Kaitlyn clung to Jill’s leg while in Dr. Wilson’s office.
She wanted no part of going near him.
As he spoke to us, he began clicking a pen. He asked if Kaitlyn wanted to see it. She slowly nodded in the affirmative and he showed her the pen. She slowly warmed up to him and he examined her, and years later, working with many in that practice, it was time to move on.
Of course Rob will still be there and they certainly have our full confidence, but I would be lying if I did not tell you that I became a bit sad. Realizing that this part of the long roadway ends and yet her roadway continues.
I still remember our first conversation with Dr. Wilson on that day over 20 years ago; he guided us through a storm and we came out the other side. And now Kaitlyn will continue.
So, for Kaitlyn at least, we say good-bye to this wonderful team.
There is nothing, NOTHING, like having a great practice as team leaders in the world of our diabetes, is there? Do you love your team? Let us know. Dr. Wilson and his team at Stony Brook have proved to us since September 26th 1992, that they’re one of the best out there.
For that, we thank all of them.
I am a diabetes dad.
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2 replies on “Time to Say Good-Bye!!! And Thanks……..”
My son will be 17, ALMOST time to move on as well… We have been on this ride for only a little over three years. On the way to the hospital, December 26, 2009, my son was petrified, he admits this to us later how scared he was. When we got to the hospital, University Hospitals Rainbow Babies and Children’s Hospital in Cleveland OH, and when he was settled into his room, he realized it was not such a bad place. He loved that he could play “Wii” in his room, he especially LOVED having “room service” … Our wonderful doctor, Dr. Sumana, happened to be on call that day, as well as Dr. Rose. Dr. Sumana called us almost everyday when we went home, for a few weeks. It was so comforting to know that we could get an answer from someone the FIRST time we called with questions, and didnt have to wait for a return phone call. Yes, we LOVE our pediatric endo team. I dread the thought of having to find another team… one day…soon. Thanks for your great words, Tom.
Be careful who you choose. I was diagnosed at age 11 back in 1972. Not the best knowledge or technology back then. Spent 11 days at Brookhaven Hospital. Felt too “old” to see a pediatrician, so we went to a twin-brother team based in Bohemia. COMPLETELY misdiagnosed and mistreated my Type 1. Gave me oral meds; no info on diet, etc. Only had urine testing at the time. Its amazing I’m still alive. Too late now to sue this idiot but make sure you research who you go to for medical care. I’m now 51 with no side effects (thank God!) and a wonderful doctor near my home in Nassau County.