On May 1, 2011 our families world was changed forever. Allison (our middle child) was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes - but life as we knew it could not stop. All of our activities and our other children did not change just a new twist on how to manage this new world. Figuring it out together is challenging and this is our new world.....

Thursday, February 21, 2013

Parenting is not an easy job....


How do you feel as a parent right now?

Today, I feel horrible. Not because I really think I am a bad mother – I actually think I am usually pretty good at things when it comes to my kids. They seem to be well behaved and well mannered everywhere outside of our house. They work hard at school, play well with others and are generally happy kids. But this morning was really hard for me to be the “good mom.”

Allison’s insulin site needs to be changed before I drive into D.C. this afternoon for an event I am looking forward to attending. She does not have enough insulin to make it until I pick her up this evening and no one else is trained to change her site. So I wanted to change it before we left home this morning. That did not happen – Allison refused.

She just was not mentally able to allow me to do it this morning. I discussed with her that the only time I could do it was now or during her recess time at school. Why? Because I was being selfish and thinking of the million and one things I have on my to do list and did not want to give up the 30 minutes I carved out in the day to drive to her school and change it when she wanted. I was so frustrated with her that I tried to make her think she was going to have to miss her favorite part of school – recess with her friends. I wanted to yell and scream that I did not have time to have this discussion or argument.

With tears in her eyes she looked up at me and said she just could not do it right now and would rather miss recess. Seeing your daughter in tears will change your mind set in a heartbeat – and it did.

Allison is amazing, day in and day out with little complaint about checking her blood sugar and changing her site and the one time she just wants me to do it later in the day - I forget I have no idea what it is like to be her. To carry that around with her all the time – this disease that has robbed her of so much.

In an effort to be a better mom – I am changing my schedule and am going to scarf down a fast food drive through lunch on my way to her school BEFORE her recess starts so she cannot be robbed of one thing she loves so much – time with her friends – and maybe she will forgive her mom for not being perfect all the time!

Until there is a cure,
Jennifer

2 comments:

  1. Jennifer,
    You are a great mother, care-taker, friend and human being; with that being said we all have our days. I know how stressful and challenging it can be to have a child with medical issues but like the saying goes "it takes a village". I'm one to talk about accepting help from others because I want to do it All myself,but let others help when you need it. I am more than willing to learn and educate myself with Allison's needs so I can help you and her out. Friends are quick to join in for a good time but good friends are always around to support and jump in anytime of need. Allison will always be greatful to you, Chris and the kids for all of your sacrifice, support and love. Like MJ said, "I'll be there...". Your Amiga, Sofia<3

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