From Our Special Guest Bloggers - Allison's Grandparents........

November 20, 2011

Today a special blog pinned by Allie's grandparents:

As Allison’s grandparents, we are very proud and impressed by the courageous way she is handling her diabetes.   She has become so adept at testing, counting carbs, and giving herself her own shots – we are amazed.  Allison also displays an uncanny sense about the seriousness of her diabetes.  She’s well aware of the food she eats, when she eats and that she must eat all that she says she will eat.  No small feat for a child!   We think she displays a maturity way beyond her tender 7 years.  We’re not sure very many adults would be able to handle her situation as well as she does.

When first learning of her diagnosis, we were alarmed, scared and definitely uneducated.  In six short months we are learning a lot, trying not to be quite so alarmed and scared.    Can’t help it but we do worry about her a lot and think of her daily.   Chris and Jennifer have been super parents in our eyes ever since Ryan was born, so it came as no surprise to us to see their blogs display their powerful commitment to being loving and caring parents.   We are pleased also to see how Ryan and Sammie are always there for their sister.  We have seen first-hand how they show their concern and how much they admire Allie’s skill at testing and shot taking.  There’s no display of annoyance or jealousy – just a sincere caring for their sister.  These positive attitudes of course, are the influence of Chris and Jennifer.  They are to be admired for having the whole family comfortably on board to learn about and deal with diabetes. 

As parents you never cease to worry about your children.  We worry about our son, Chris and worry just as much about our daughter-in-law, Jennifer.  We worry that they aren’t getting enough sleep, that their emotional state of mind is holding up, that they are staying healthy for their kids.  We are comforted with the fact they are truly and always there for each other.    Since we’ve not been in their shoes, we can only imagine the internal angst of sugar highs, lows, pump, no pump, how many carbs here, how many there, too active, not active enough, etc…….

It is also heartwarming to see the support of their community.  We have met nurses and teachers at Allie’s school and are so pleased to see how concerned and watchful they are for our little Allie.  She is so precious to us and we are happy to see she is to others as well.   She is lucky to have so many wonderful friends who will be ever watchful.  Grandpa tells a story of riding in the car to a soccer game with Jennifer, Allison and one of Allie’s soccer friends.  The friend told Allie she had a piece of candy in her pocket for Allie if she felt low!   It’s also awesome to see Allie’s wide variety of interests – she loves sports and we love to watch her play.  She’s an artist – loves to draw and create.  She also is a dancer. Wow!  All these things wrapped up into one little beautiful 7 year old granddaughter.  She’s not letting diabetes dictate what she can and can’t do!  Good for you Allison!

We are hoping for a cure for Allison and everyone else who has been stricken with diabetes.  We love her to bits and we think her future will be bright.  It would be even brighter if there was a cure.  We are looking forward to our next visit and seeing Allie run out to our car with her big blue eyes and million dollar smile ready with big hugs for Grandma and Grandpa!

Her grandparents,

Kate and Dan Holdgreve