Tag: dparent

Goodbye 2019—-Hello Modern Roaring Twenties

Posted on | by tomkarlya | 1 Comment on Goodbye 2019—-Hello Modern Roaring Twenties

The quiet was very loud in the waiting room.  The employee awaited the turn to ‘face the music’.  2019 was not as nervous as when he heard the yelling when 2018 left last year, the yelling was scary as the Boss rarely yelled, but yelling occurred as 2018 was ushered out….it was left to 2019, and 2019 knew that the year was over and failure was the result.
Send in 2019, please.  The intercom on the receptionist’s desk echoed.
The Boss will see you now, she ventured a partial smile.  2019 stood and walked toward the door and opened it with conviction.  Hi Boss, it’s me.
C’mon in 2019, come in.

2019 took a chair and both The Boss, and 2019, sat for a few minutes without saying anything. 
2019, not a good year. Really not a good year.  I really want to get back to being so annoyed at you new years because no cure has yet to be found, instead I find myself just so angry at you all not getting insulin into people’s hands.  Some really good local legislation and some extremely powerful hearings,,,,,,but, we have yet to move that dial.

2019 spoke up, I feel like some progress was made, especially in a divided capitol who certainly have other thingson their minds.  I….

The Boss stopped 2019.

2019, I am not here to listen to your side of the story.  You failed in finding a cure.  You failed in resolving the insulin issue and quite frankly I’m not as angry with you as I was with 2018 for the only reason, I have become calloused to the pain you all keep coming and dishing our every year.  You did not accomplish one thing you set out to do.  The technology that other years touted as hugely successful, broke down as well.  I was encouraged, again, by the one thing that encourages me each year that comes in my office, is ushered out, and a new one ushered in. DO you know what that is 2019?

I’m pretty sure it is those impacted by diabetes.

Exactly right 2019, it is the people impacted by this disease.  The people who live with diabetes and graduate school, become professionals, do the plays in their schools, play sports, hold a job, get married, have kids, get good grades, play with friends and for all intent and purposes they live their lives to the fullest.  It is the researchers who constantly look for that needle in the haystack because they believe a cure is out there and worth looking for.  It is the genius minds that are not content with the status quo in management technology and continue to improve health care.  It is the legislatures who continue to fight to bring the insulin costs down.  It’s those who believe that diabetes will JUST NOT DUE in their lives 2019.  The keep me at this job.

2019 stood up.  I understand.  It is my truest hope that this new decade arriving at midnight is the modern ‘roaring twenties’ in all things diabetes.  Sorry I failed you boss.

And just like that 2019 left.  The Boss put his hands behind his head and smiled at the ceiling; Hmmmmmmmmm Roaring Twenties in all things diabetes, I like that.
He buzzed his receptionist; Send in 2020, the modern roaring twenties in diabetes starts now.
I am a DiabetesDad.
Please visit my Diabetes Dad FB Page and hit ‘like’.

Twas the Night Before dChristmas 2019

Posted on | by tomkarlya | 1 Comment on Twas the Night Before dChristmas 2019

With special apologies to Clement Moore.   I present what has become an annual tradition……an updated, ‘Twas the Night Before D-Christmas for 2019

‘Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house,
Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse.
The meters, CGMs, and supplies were put away with such care,
In hopes that Santa would bring the cure with him this year.

The children were nestled from head to their feeties,
While thoughts in their head were no more diabetes.
And mamma in her ‘kerchief, she prayed for the cure too,
A dad still wonders what else could he do.

Remembering this year; CGMs enough to fill up a bin,
All so new, fast, and even under the skin,
Insulin is still with a cost way too high,
Government should act, stop asking why.

Some say a crime and even a sin
Outrageous price for one dose of insulin
The community raised voices loud and concise,
Costs are too far and need to lower in price.

The voices were loud and the voices were clear,
We will shout as one, we all have no fear.
Insulin is not a luxury, stop causing such strife,
Insulin for all it is needed for life.

Many things were good, many things were fun,
Diabetes awareness campaigns are still being done.
The word is important for everyone to hear,
Capitol Hill hearing our voices, we’re getting in gear.

Others will take the lead and we will all see
Better products, more work, and good advocacy.
Better pumps, insulin, and CGMS by the score,
There’s plenty coming and we’re screaming for more.

When you look outside at the fresh fallen snow,
so many are doing, so many you don’t know,
Think of those who inspire and soon you’ll see,
Things will move forward and continue to be.

The life is not the greatest fighting this disease.
Continue to ask as you drop to your knees
That things will get better and rightfully quick,
Good things to come, and not all from St. Nick.

So listen carefully as you think what needs to be done,
If you have an idea, launch it, take it and run.
Don’t leave it to others; it’ll be just a few,
“Don’t do nothing” is what you really must do.

And if you think you’re done, tired, and feeling sort of sore,
Think of your loved one with diabetes, it’ll make you do more.
And if not for you, it will be for their sake,
We won’t stop at all till they all get a break.

And then, in a twinkling, one day we’ll hear on the roof,
The prancing and pawing of each little hoof.
And the only thing needed in Santa’s bag for sure,
Is when diabetes is gone because of a cure.

So we will all continue to work, the ‘where’ is up to you,
But you have to make the decision on something you’ll do.
And one day we’ll scream and exclaim, “diabetes is gone from sight,”
The Happiest Christmas ever, and to all a good-night!

I am a DiabetesDad.
Please visit my Diabetes Dad FB Page and hit ‘like’

Diabetes Awareness Month……Key Word: AWARENESS

Posted on | by tomkarlya | 1 Comment on Diabetes Awareness Month……Key Word: AWARENESS

Well here we are again, Diabetes Awareness Month.  Trending are many people asking to post something each day of this month.  How many test strips do you use, how many units of insulin, how long have you lived with t1d????  Something different each day of the month.  I’m not so sure I would want to break down my two kids’ diabetes into a 30 day ‘advent-like’ calendar of what we have been doing for the last 27+ years, but if it works for you, why not?

But WHATever you are doing for this month, ask yourself this question as you contemplate what to do to bring awareness to the outside world; ‘who is seeing this?’  It’s great to show the diabetes community, but here’s the catch, they know already.  Whatever you are doing, and it’s up to you whatever that is, but make sure you are monitoring where your posts end up.  All year round we are certainly here to help one another but November offers a very specific charge; awareness.

SO encourage people who read your posts to send them to those who do not know anything about this disease.  Figure out some things to do, here are a few examples;  Encourage your kids to give a presentation in school about diabetes awareness; go to www.getdiabetesright.org and download one of the many awareness posters, print a bunch, hand out and hang throughout your community; donate to a diabetes charity, a camp, or any diabetes organization you like; ask to speak at one of your community meetings like Rotary Clubs, LIONs Clubs, Chamber of Commerce about diabetes awareness; wear blue like my dear friend Paula does all year round each Friday (my Fridays are just not the same if she doesn’t) but now you have 30 days–wear blue, and just do something to get that word out; just don’t do nothing.

This month is all about Diabetes Awareness…….so make people aware!  Not those who know already but those you don’t.  You might just save a life.
I am a diabetes dad.
Please visit my Diabetes Dad FB Page and hit ‘like’.

We CANNOT Break

Posted on | by tomkarlya | 2 Comments on We CANNOT Break

We are a community.  What impacts one, impacts all.  Those of us who have decided that Just Doing Nothing will not do, have taken up our position in this diabetes battle.  There are as many positions as there is work to be done.

Taking no action, takes no effort.
Again:
Taking no action, takes no effort.
It’s easy.

It can cause you no harm. One has enough to worry about than to think, ‘I have to spend all my precious time on me and my family’. Right? There is power in that, but if we all only looked after our own personal lives, where would we be? I have known and been friends with so many people in this battle who believe stronger in doing things that I do not do.  I have known friends that support organizations more so than I support.  There s just so much tine in a day.

That’s okay.

They are on the front lines of battle.  Like the strongest of Palm Trees they bend during the storm but they do not break. It would be so much easier to take a seat in the back of the room. But they stand directly in the front of our diabetes community facing the diabetes storm; advocating, fighting, raising money, walking, running, bike riding, hanging posters, testifying in front of state and national Capitols, teaching, organizing, and in simple terms they are doing something they find to be important.  Something that will help their own, and in doing so, helping you.

It’s easy to point and criticize. It’s harder to say, “Let me help you”.  You may not be the first in the battle you undertake……..and you will not be the last.  But we cannot stand as a divided entity.  We cannot stand opposing each other.  When I started this battle I was a 35-year-old man who had a ton of energy and hope for my daughter (and then my son as well).  Now at 61, my hope for our kids has not wavered one iota, I just move a little slower.

So ask yourself what you are doing to help and make a difference?  Because if we don’t help……..who will?  Look around you, you have 9 million chances and choices but it starts with that first realization……..”I need to get involved”.

Just Don’t Do Nothing
I am a diabetes dad.
Please visit my Diabetes Dad FB Page and hit ‘like’.

Moms and Dads……Halloween can be BOOtiful for You Too……Enjoy!

Posted on | by tomkarlya | 4 Comments on Moms and Dads……Halloween can be BOOtiful for You Too……Enjoy!

This month is Halloween, in fact in just about a week.  Halloween means so much to kids.  Our kids with diabetes are no exception, after all, they’re just kids; right?.  I remember when Kaitlyn was younger and many neighbors bought stickers and toys for Kaitlyn for Halloween trick or treats; “…I did not know what to get for her”, was a common comment.

People are wonderful.

We were discussing this weekend, over coffee, that each year there was no doubt with all of the walking that she would do that ‘going low thing’ would not only occur but almost always at the exact same block each year.  She would carefully choose something out of the trick or treat bag. (of course juice boxes and ‘stuff needed’ were readily available ‘just-in-case’ as well—but letting her choose something from the Halloween Trick-or-Treat bag…why not?).  We would wait a few minutes and continue on.  Fun and frights continued.  On this day our kids strive and want to be just like all the others kids…….AND THEY SHOULD BE.  Don’t be afraid to let them.

I remember many conversations from people who do not live with diabetes as we do.  Their naive questions regarding how Halloween must be a disaster for us, having a child “who cannot eat candy”.  People thought that we would deprive our child of this incredible right-of-passage.

Those of us ‘in the know’ know better, don’t we?

If you do not know….you should learn how close to normal you can make this day.  Our kids are not driving close to a cliff during this day.

Of course we would control the candy; some gave money in exchange, some put the candy outside for the GREAT PUMPKIN to take and exchange for a toy; but we always controlled what the kids ate and went through it all like all parents do each year.

We all do those things.

There are many things that you can find online about kids, diabetes, and what to do.  Today I want to check in with where YOUR head is at.  You should not be afraid (pun intended) of this day and you should spend the time enjoying your kids, while they enjoy the day.

Diabetes never stopped us on Halloween and it should not stop you either.  Go and enjoy.  This is a holiday for kids to enjoy and with a little knowledge and a little ‘smarts’, the only frightening thing about the day should be at your front door when the doorbell rings.

Be afraid……..be very afraid?   Nah…….enjoy; Halloween is nothing to ‘spook’ you.

I am a diabetes dad.
Please visit my Diabetes Dad FB Page and hit ‘like’.

Your Child with Diabetes has a Sibling, Don’t Forget It

Posted on | by tomkarlya | 2 Comments on Your Child with Diabetes has a Sibling, Don’t Forget It

In this day and age, if you think your kids are not, somehow and some time or another, on the internet, you would probably be mistaken.  One statistic states that only 15% of parents are ‘in the know’ of their child’s access and use of the internet (https://www.guardchild.com/statistics/).  So let’s assume that stat is roughly correct, that means whatever you post, write, vent, argue, and generalize; it’s a pretty good chance your child has access.

I have stated in the past that I’m no fan of posting kids in their hospital bed but not because of the impact, I get it and there surely have been hugely powerful photos of such.  But how would we each feel if someone took a picture of us at our absolute worst and posted it with a caption, “Take a look, I surely feel bad for my mom today”.  Think about it.  But my main reason for today’s article is if you have more than one child.

Not more than one child with diabetes, just more than one child. I cannot tell you how many times I’ve seen a picture of a child with diabetes and what a hero they are with flowers, certificates, trophies, and all sorts of fun stuff celebrating their accomplishments.  To be clear, that is wonderful and knowing they accomplished these feats while battling diabetes makes us incredibly proud, and rightfully so.  But I’ve also seen these very same pictures with a smiling sibling looking on and when I scroll back through someone’s FB page, I just do not see any of the sibling and their accomplishments.

Be careful.

In as much as we are all proud of what our kids accomplish in their day-to-day battles, remember to single-out something your child without diabetes has accomplished. Post about that. Brag about that. As my dear friend Dr. Richard Rubin used to say, “make it about balance”.

I can tell you with most certainty that your children know the times; a trip was cut short, a detour had to be made, something different was served or left out, more time was paid, and in general a bigger fuss was made over the child who has diabetes.  And that is fine and at times completely unavoidable, just make sure you stop, every now and then, and spotlight those children who do not have diabetes.

Let them decide where to eat some nights, or what movie to see, or what activity to do.  Our children without diabetes know every corner that was cut on them because of their sibling with diabetes.  What do you do to booster your child who lives without diabetes?  Look for those events and highlight them.

Praise is cool.  Everyone likes it.  Give it away, and often, to ALL of your kids.
I am a diabetes dad.
Please visit my Diabetes Dad FB Page and hit ‘like’.