School’s Open, Drive Carefully Indeed

 In the majority of this country kids have started school.  Hundreds of times I have seen the photo dreaded by every kid holding a sign with the year they are in and the grade they are in…….they’ll survive; and their future spouse will thank us all 20 years or so from now.  The pictures are fabulous.

Today I write to remind you to stop and look in the mirror and realize what you have just done that many others have not.  Today I want you to celebrate……..well……..you.  Because while other parents did the same as you with new supplies, new shoes, new outfits, and figuring out just what room their child is to report; you had to do so much more.

Your ‘Drive Carefully’.\, now that the schools have swung wide open, is so much more than actually boarding a vehicle.  Your ‘drive carefully’ is navigating the waters ahead with diabetes.

You had to figure 504 plans, visit the nurse, visit the principal, figure out what glucose tablets, glucometer, strips, pump supplies, and so much more had to be given to the school nurse.  Months ago you had to get an extra prescription for the extra glucagon and whatever else you needed to be kept at school.

You paced how far it was for the bus, the walk, or the ride so you know each and every day exactly where your child is at ever minute that will tick-off the clock while your child travels to school, and while your child travels home.

You have rearranged your schedule at work and/or home to be able to get done what you normally can not get done and you have to be ready throughout the school year.  You have to hug your child and tell them how proud you are.  You have to smile as you take their picture.  You have to be excited for them every second. 

And when you are alone you cry hysterically as you worry if the nurse really knows what she is doing, will the substitute understand what has to be done, and that YOU are not in control for the hours your child is at school is killing you.  You cry because you feel that YOU have to do all of this and your spouse, partner, and mate does not even understand all you do, you feel alone.  You cry alone.

Does anyone understand?

Yes, many of us do.  And for all that you do, be proud that the result will be another school year of success because you are a supermom, and in some instances; a superdad.  Look in the mirror and know that all you have done is heroic.  It may not seem it.  You may say, ‘not really’, but you would be wrong.  You have done with, in spite of, despite; diabetes.  Because of you this school year started and diabetes did not win. 

And you should be proud.

And because I do believe someone should tell you, I say: ………thank you.  Because what your child becomes in this diabetes world we live in, is because of everything you do.  And they are ready, willing, and able more than they will ever know…….but I know, many of us know, and you know these words better than anyone else on the planet;
‘SCHOOL’S OPEN’.

Congratulations.

I am a diabetes dad.

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