Perspective

For the duration of this pregnancy, because of my complications in my previous 2 pregnancies, my doctors think it's best for me to take 1 shot of heparin (a blood thinner) twice a day. So, what do I do? I turn into a big ball of baby mush. I hate needles. I've always hated needles. Ask my mother. If I needed a shot of any kind growing up, it took more than 1 grown adult to hold me down long enough to give the injection. Even as an adult, a shot involves lots of coaxing and gentle prodding and, yes, tears on my part.

Since Syd's dx I've always said, "This is how I know God has a sense of humor. He gives ME, the needle phobiac (is that a word? It is now!), a diabetic child!"

So, how have I handled this new little challenge of mine? I've procrastinated until today when I did my first injection. It did burn. I'll admit, my eyes teared up and it took about 10 minutes of me laying on the bed, needle in hand, family cheering me on, before I finally poked my tummy and gave the meds. My dose is the equivalent of 100 insulin units. I get this twice a day.

The perspective this challenge gives me is great though. See, I will do these injections twice a day for about 6 months. Then I'm done. Done! No more shots. Does Sydney or any of these other sweet T1 kids have this opportunity? No. I did the math. In 6 months I will have received about 380 shots. To compare, in just the FIRST 6 months after Sydney's diagnosis she received over 1200 shots. Where do I have ANY room to complain or whine or cry? I don't. This perspective is both humbling and sad.

Once again, I've been reminded why T1 kids are little heroes. If you have a little hero, go give him/her a hug from me. They deserve it.