Putting things in perspective – four days later #diabetes

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It has been four days since my eldest daughter was diagnosed with diabetes, four excruciatingly long days which has evoked tears and tantrums from us all.

But as always after a stay in hospital surrounded by children much sicker than my own one cannot help but put things in perspective.  And as BB forced me to realise the strength of a baby in her battle against epilepsy and later Hip Dysplasia, twin girl; my beautiful Molly has shown me the determination and courage of a child.

Day three after a type 1 diabetes diagnosis we were sitting on a hospital bed and she placed her hand over mine as it shook whilst I was preparing the needle.

“Give it to me mummy, I need to learn.”

Then with hands far steadier than mine she attached a needle, tested the insulin and gently injected her leg. Later that day a parent on the ward commented on how brave she was and casually remarked that she didn’t think she could inject herself. My smart, sweet daughter replied with a smile,

“Oh you would if you knew you would die without it.”

I hope my daughter reads this back one day and hears the emotion behind the words.

While I remain gripped in the hand of worry as we look to learn more about diabetes together, my overriding reaction is pure pride.

My girl is flipping incredible.

Children with type 1 diabetes
Molly, Day 2 after being diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes

66 thoughts on “Putting things in perspective – four days later #diabetes”

  6. What a girl! You make brave, determined, intelligent, special little girls don’t you! Well done you 🙂

  8. oh that’s amazing Molly – and if I could give you a hug in that very cuddly dressing gown I would. Both my children have to have medication and do it themselves (although not injecting it) and they organise their teachers into doing it. Love to you both and keep being so cool xxx

  15. Molly sounds like an amazing kid, so clever and brave. Don’t forget, she got that strength of character from you, so be proud of BOTH of you. xxxx

  18. She is flippin incredible. As are you. A difficult difficult journey for you both, but one that together you will manage really well. Thoughts have been with you.

  19. what a brave girl ! it’s amazing what children can overcome with little or no complaining : )
    ooo and I should imagine very brave parents too !
    best wishes x

  20. She’s such a brave little girl, but she wouldn’t be this strong without an equally strong mummy by her side, so you can give yourself a pad on the shoulder too. I hope Molly quickly gets used to her new routine so you all can start enjoying the fun things in life again x

  30. Omg, I’ve read about your littlest girl and now you’re going through different problems with your older daughter. So glad she’s dealing with it so well but what a rollercoaster parenting is. Really feel for you at such a difficult time x

  32. Hi – I wanted to say a few reassuring things as someone who has Type 1 myself. its a massive shock, and it doesnt go away, but as far as chronic health conditions go it ain’t the worst of the bunch. so, first, the needles don’t hurt. at all. in fact, if youre relaxed and the needle is new, then you can barely feel it. really truely. second, i am extremely disorganised but i manage the whole carbs, insulin, blood sugars thing with (mostly) no probs. its just my normal, and it will be for you guys. and third, there is nothing that diabetes will stop Molly doing (except maybe one or two occupations like firefighters or roles in the armed forces). you can win an olympic gold medal, fly a plane, go dancing in magaluf with your friends on a crazy holiday, have perfect healthy babies, and live to be 90 years old. (i have only done one of these things but i know of people with diabetes who have done all the others). good luck with the next few weeks and months.

    • You are 90???

      Thanks so much for your kind words, really helped! It is hopefully just a case of adjustment! x

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