For Mothers of Young Diabetics…

I want you to know that I understand the ache in your heart.

We found out Grace was diabetic just a few months after her 4th birthday. I was the one who tested her at home and discovered that her blood sugar was 576. Having a diabetic husband, I knew that that number was not good.

I think I cried all the way to the doctor’s office that day – frightened, frustrated, angry. Thinking, God, how could you allow our sweet 4-year-old to face this?! At that point in time, there was so much uncertainty. But on thing was certain – life was changing.

When you found out your young child was a Type 1 diabetic, your life changed. Those protective instincts went into overdrive, yearning to keep your child safe and healthy.

And yet, it’s really not in our control as moms, is it?

We can do our best to learn about diabetes and carbs and insulin and pumps, and every other thing that will affect their health. But ultimately, they’re in much more capable hands than our own. In a way that I cannot grasp, our God loves each of our children so much more than we ever could. And He will do what is best, even if it’s not what we would have chosen.

So, moms, don’t be afraid to grieve. Grieve for the life that you expected your child would live.

And when you’re through the grief, rejoice. Rejoice because God loves your child. Rejoice because we live in an age where our children CAN live healthy lives with diabetes. Rejoice for insulin pumps and blood glucose monitors and health professionals who care.

I understand the ache in your heart. Sometimes I get ahead of myself and worry about Grace’s future. What will life be like when she’s a young wife who wants to have babies – and diabetes will make her pregnancy trickier than most? What if she isn’t always able to control her blood sugar well – what side effects will occur? Even sillier, how cumbersome will it be to have to carry an insulin pump around with her for the rest of her life? Where will she hide it during formal events? So many things to think about as a mom, and yet…

She’s in much more capable hands than my own. My God loves her so very much.