Rainbows and Unicorns: the most common response to many diabetes-related questions.
But there is so much more beyond the fluff and the clouds.
Actually, life with T1D is crazy:
It's a fact.
Life with Type One Diabetes multiplied by three is that much more crazy!
It
hit me this past week that I really haven't had Type One all that long.
Our family hasn't known Type One all that long . . . we haven't even
reached five years with T1. We haven't had an opportunity to really settle down
into a "new normal." Every time we were close to "taking a breather," it seemed like
another child was diagnosed.
The emotions and pressures of diabetes can act just like our
blood sugars . . . One minute we will feel on top of the world (because
sugars are somewhat under control), and within a mere 24 hours it can
flip to the opposite extreme. Not only does this happen to one of us,
but it seems more of a domino affect in which all of us take a
simultaneous nose dive.
The best part is when people can see we are struggling, they love to add their much needed advice.
"At least you all have the same disease so it's easier to manage!"
I
get that input much too frequently. I don't know if this mentality helps people feel better about our situation, or if it is just the same perspective
that says we "get used to needles, and they don't hurt".
Either
way, I have found that people will be people. Their curiosity and
self-confidence drive them to speak things they really don't mean.
And often we are left in a sticky wicket in which the "Rainbows and Unicorns" reply fits best.
Sure
I would love to stop and explain how crazy numbers are, how many nights
we are up with one of us three, how long 4 years of diabetes seems,
and how big of a journey is ahead of us. But that is really not their
problem.
I
don't think many people could handle knowing how difficult some days are! This
is a challenge that is God-given. A daily battle that we have to fight.
So
between you and me, diabetes isn't all rainbows and unicorns, but we
all are adjusting - doing our best. And (thanks to Frederick Banting) we
are all living too! ;)
You have already learned a lesson in life that most people NEVER get. Often we are disappointed by others when they don't truly get what we are going through. You have already learned that compassion and empathy are two key traits that help us comfort, love, and understand others...even when we don't "get" what they are going through.
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