Children With Type 1 Diabetes and Heroic Courage (Diabetes Awareness Month)

As a special treat for Diabetes Awareness Month, I am hosting my first guest blogger, Amanda from Erring on the Side of Love! I have been following Amanda's lovely blog for a while and was so delighted to receive an email from her a couple months ago. She was kind enough to give me some background on a camp for kids with diabetes where she had been employed and wondered if I had ever considered such a program for Aaron. I hadn't really, but was very interested in learning more. You can imagine how thrilled I was when Amanda agreed to write about some of her experiences for my readers and me! Thank you, Amanda, for contributing to Ordinary Lovely for the sake of diabetic children and for promoting diabetes awareness!

Children With Type 1 Diabetes and Heroic Courage

by Amanda at Erring on the Side of Love

Years ago I went to a camp to staff, partially because I love working with kids and also because it was encouraged by a child development class I was taking for my degree. I was in college. Knew little about what all my role would entail, but knew that I would love it. The camp had an awesome reputation and I was excited to get to work with the kids.

Years ago I had no idea how these kids would impact me. How they would impress and inspire me. I had no idea how they would challenge me and make me want to be better. I was young, naive, had good intentions, and am so glad I took the steps to be a part of the two week stint I was there.

Years ago I spent two weeks at a Diabetic camp. I was on medical staff. I didn't expect to be, but, in the end, it made sense. I knew very little about Type 1 diabetes prior to arriving for my training, but you can believe that I left this camp knowing Type 1 Diabetes like the back of my hand. I had to! For the sake and care of the outstanding 9 and 10 year old girls that would share a glimpse of true heroism that I was not expecting.

During training, so many emotions flushed through me. Anxiety being the number one. I was afraid to have these kids under my care for the next few weeks. I was afraid that I wouldn't remember all the things I needed to to keep these kids healthy and able to fully enjoy, engage, and participate in something bigger than them that they wouldn't get to do otherwise.

When I met my campers, I was still so anxious. I knew that I knew my stuff. I knew that the medical staff, doctors, nurses, and dietitians were all present and available at the drop of the hat. But these kids...I worried, I cared, and wanted so much to do well by them so they could fully enjoy all. the. things!

After meeting them, talking to them, getting to know them, I have never felt more privileged and overwhelmed with so many other emotions for how incredibly amazing they were. Type 1 diabetes is so very involved! You have to check your blood sugar anywhere from 3+ times a day, know how much of which type of insulin you need to take based on that reading as well as the readings you take prior to your meals + calculating the foods you were about to eat during said meal and more! They were on all. the. time.

The girls in my group were from all walks. Maybe they would have never been friends if they met outside of camp. They had different interests and didn't mesh immediately. That is until we talked about the one thing they did have in common - diabetes. The walls were down and they met community. These little souls sounding like old souls because of a condition that rules their day. They embraced each other, were there for each other, encouraging and loving each other in such a beautiful way.

They shared the heartaches of other kids at school teasing them for having to poke themselves so many times. How hard it is to never get invited to a birthday party because other kids' parents don't want the risk, much less a sleepover. How hard it is to make friends. To always have to go to the nurses office. To always have to watch what you eat. How you snack. Day in and day out. All the ins and outs they have had to navigate in their short 9 years of life and all of them doing it beautifully. I assisted these girls a handful of times each/daily. I administered shots for only a couple of my girls because the others were so good and used to doing it themselves. They didn't need my assistance. The independence these young girls demonstrated was phenomenal.

I say all this to share three things on the courage  that still amazes me today. First, I appreciated what the camp gave to me but so much more appreciate how these kids were all able to get together and courageously share their experiences. So much vulnerability that lead to friendships, confidence, and a peace of knowing they are not alone.

Secondly, the way they boldly took care of their own needs that are so challenging and daunting exhibited way more courage than I think I have ever exhibited in my whole life! It was amazing. So very amazing! They were just 9 and 10 and able to do things that I know so many adults with Type 1 diabetes struggle with! These young kids courageously took responsibility for a condition they had and were living.

Lastly, one of the most beautiful things that I brought home with me is how much we all desire to be known; to be seen. Often these girls' trials were centered around not being seen past their diabetes. That's the girl with diabetes. That's the girl who pricks herself. That's the girl who can't go to birthday parties or ever eat cake or she'll die! While at camp, these girls weren't those girls anymore. They were girls conquering their hardship and so much more. The so much more was seen by others who were all too familiar with not being seen. In turn, allowing these girls to truly see each other and know each other. It takes courage to truly see someone. To see the person beyond the struggle, illness, weakness, condition, bad day, or what have you. It takes so much courage! A courage I pray I exhibit every time I meet a new soul and a courage I especially pray that I meet my family with.

Years ago I staffed a camp. I met these amazing campers that inspired me and opened my eyes to a strength I never knew such young souls could have. We talk of the saints and their bold goodness. Their fights. Their strengths. Their weaknesses. These kids, what they do, day in and day out to care for their bodies is nothing short of heroic.

Some may say that I'm exaggerating but I challenge you to experience a day in the life of a young child who has Type 1 Diabetes. There are so many responsibilities! These kids know their medicines, they know to check their blood sugar levels, and how many sugar cubes or sips of juice to help them when their low. They know what to eat for meals and how to balance it out with the correct amount of insulin to help keep their body well. They know and understand food in ways I'm still trying to learn as an adult!

Children with Type 1 Diabetes will forever have a special place in my heart because of the amazing grace they engage their days with, standing up to their suffering, and always moving along. They don't stop. These kids inspired me then and will forever have my respect and admiration. Their daily embrace of a weakness that builds them in ways they may not fully understand now takes courage. A heroic courage that is not weakness but strength filled with amazing grace.

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Amanda writes at her blog Erring on the Side of Love where she shares lovely thoughts on faith and family, musings on parenthood, delicious recipes, and photos of her precious boys.

Her writing reflects her love of the saints, and her thoughts on almost any topic from hosting parties, to keeping house, to raising kiddos, are dotted with the wisdom of holy men and women of God. Especially endearing is her post on finding beauty in the simple ritual of toddler snack time!

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Embroidery for Young Football Fans (Kid-Made Gifts Series)

Craftiness and gift giving aren't just for girls.  My boys (who are 7 and 8) occasionally enjoy craftiness beyond popsicle stick boxes and pencil cans.  Their interest in sewing must stem from my own enthusiasm for such things.  They know if they want to get my attention they just have to ask to sew :)

This year the boys have been working on simple embroidery projects to give as gifts to the men of our family.  Boys embroidering gifts for men sounds a little suspicious, but I assure you, we're keeping it as manly as possible with NFL team logos as our focus :)  There is, of course, no need to limit embroidery to football logos, but that's what's been popular around here lately.

What you'll need:

embroidery hoop

craft felt or other fabric

craft thread, like this DMC Prism Craft Thread  
(craft thread tends to be better for kids than traditional embroidery floss b/c the strands don't separate)

craft needle

tape

glue and ribbon for hanging

outline of your FAVORITE NFL TEAM'S LOGO FROM THIS SITE

Print your desired logo to size (to fit into whatever size embroidery hoop you are using.)

By securely taping the image to the felt, kids will have an easy pattern to follow using a simple back stitch.  (youtube tutrial here)

Once the stitching is done, you will need to tear off the paper very carefully.  

Holding down the stitches with one hand, use the other to gently tear the paper as close to the stitches as you can.  

When all the paper is off, turn the work over and gently pull the threads to the back to tighten up and stitches that may have been pulled loose by removing the pattern.

Tighten the felt in the hoop, trim the edges, and add a ribbon for hanging. 

That's it.  It's that simple and that fun!  (even for boys!)

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Also in this series...

Scrappy Yarn Sun Catchers

Tune in next week for more kid-made gift ideas!

All About the Fall Soup Party :: 2014

The Fall Soup Party is one of my favorite traditions and deserves a fabulously well thought out post with flowery language and glossy professional photographs.  But I couldn't manage that because life, being what it is, continues on and demands my attention even though there are fancy blog posts to write ;)

For now I've jotted down some somewhat organized/somewhat random thoughts and have included some not-so-professional photographs of this year's festivities.  Enjoy!

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check out past posts on the party here:

The Fall Soup Party: Planning and Prep

Fall Soup Party : 2013

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This year I didn't save all my soup making for one or two weekends.  I've been making and freezing soup a little at a time since September.   

Every year I try a few new soups, and this year was no different in that regard.  Except... this was the year that I finally realized I don't need to keep searching.  I made about 4 new soups, and only one was good enough to make again.  We have 7-9 soups that are absolutely delicious and everyone loves, and the new ones I keep trying really don't hold a candle to them.  

So for the first time, this year's party was only perennial favorites.  Six of them.  I didn't feel like I needed to feature anything new because our favorite soups are just so great :)

I did two new things this year in terms of prep work.   I made my own chicken stock, about 3 1/2 gallons of it.  I thought it turned out well and I'll definitely do it again, but the smell of chicken stock in the house for 2 days straight was a little overwhelming =)  Also for the first time, I pre-cooked lots of meat in my Crock Pots.  I cooked several pounds of ground beef overnight (some was for a soup and some was for casseroles) and the next night I cooked about 20 chicken breasts (again, some for soup and some for casseroles)  It was such a time saver.   

For the soup party, I had three soups pre-made and frozen ( which I defrosted the day of), two soups that I had made 1-2 before and stored in the fridge, and one I made the day of.

  

I crocheted these pretty cute pumpkins to use as place cards...

It was kind of slim pickings in the "fresh" flower department, but since I wasn't in the mood for mums or carnations, I decided to go for autumnal orange in tulips and roses.  

I ran up to the attic to grab my pumpkin wreath at the last minute... 

and the kids provided some soup "decor" to welcome our guests at the door...

The table was set with small bowls to encourage small helpings of a variety of soups :)  

The kids got cider.  (What?  You're awesome, Mom!)  And the adults enjoyed wine and the new Labatt Bourbon Barrel Ale (Soooo good.  It tastes cozy.)  

For the table, I put out salt and pepper (just a formality, though.  My soups are so good, S & P are not needed ;) hehe) as well as pretty fall napkins, shredded Parmesan cheese, shredded mixed cheese, crusty french bread, oyster crackers, and three kinds of crunchy croutons.   (Parties at which I've served "mexican" style soup, I've also put out tortilla chips and sour cream.)

Pre-soup fun...

photo from my sister, Sarah :)

Clearly, James missed the memo about acting liked he cared that this was his first soup party ;)  

photo from Sarah, again :)

Dinner...

Dinner winding down...

The day of the party was also the 1st birthday of my nephew!  I was so honored (and quite frankly, a little surprised) that he and his parents were OK with having a soup party on his big day.  Turns out, he's been asking for a soup-themes party for the past year, so it worked out splendidly =)

Where are the pictures of the soup, you may ask.  Coming :)

I'm still noticing new folks "finding me" on the interwebs by Googling things like "what to serve at a soup party," "how to host a soup party," and "soup that kids like."   So of course I'm going to write that post because it appears it might help some people out there (hi!  whoever you are!) and also because I never pass up an opportunity to chat about soup.  Stay tuned.

Insulin Is Not the Enemy (Diabetes Awareness Month)

Insulin is not the enemy.  When Aaron was first diagnosed, this was a concept that was slow to sink in.  I'd plan low-carb this and low-carb that in an attempt to keep the units of insulin we injected to a minimum.  "Let's not overdo it on the insulin," I'd think.  But I knew something about my planning was askew when we'd be faced with denying Aaron something like an apple because it would bump up the insulin dose.  Apples are healthy snacks; insulin allows diabetics to eat healthy snacks.  You don't skip the apple to avoid taking insulin.  

Despite what some might think, it actually isn't the goal of type 1 diabetics to strive for the lowest possible doses of insulin each day.  All bodies need insulin to facilitate the absorption of glucose for energy.  Insulin is not the enemy.   I learned that quickly, and now it's a concept that I've found we are called to communicate to those unfamiliar with managing diabetes.

I recall a day this past summer when we decided to surprise the kids with ice cream sundaes in the evening.  A guest who had joined us for dinner was alarmed and said worriedly of Aaron's dessert, "I bet that sundae is the last thing he needs..."  I asked what our guest meant.  "Well, you'll  have to give him an awful lot of medicine after he eats it, right?"  Well, no.  We'll give him insulin and yes, that's right, the dose will be a bit higher than usual because of the sundae.   But I'm giving the same sundae to my other children and they're getting insulin for it too!  Theirs just comes from within - their properly functioning pancreases took care of the sugars that were in that sundae.  Aaron eats the same dessert and also gets insulin.  I give it to him.

Insulin is not a medication to cure or even manage an illness.   It's not a quick fix for a dietary mishap; receiving insulin doesn't signify that a kid just "messed up" on what he ate and now it needs to be fixed.  It's a misconception to think that a diabetic is being healthier if he limits the amount of insulin he needs to take. It's a hormone that facilitates the body's use of glucose; my body needs it as does yours and Aaron's (it's just a lot more obvious and invasive when Aaron "gets" it.)  Don't panic that a diabetic's insulin dose is high.  Without insulin it the body starves.  Without it, life ceases.  

So I say it again: insulin is not the enemy. 

This idea becomes a little easier to embrace when the food in question isn't an ice cream sundae.  What if we were talking about bananas, milk, and oatmeal.  I'm certain that no one would argue that these aren't full of nutrition and goodness.  Nearly every morning Aaron has a banana, two cups of plain oatmeal (not flavored), and two cups of milk.  Bananas and oatmeal are carbohydrate-heavy foods.  Would you limit these healthy foods just because they were going to require more insulin than the ice cream sundae?  (Did you know that a banana has about the same carbohydrates as 1/2 cup of ice cream?  And that a diabetic would take the same amount of insulin for each?  To diabetics, it doesn't matter where a carb comes from - ice cream or fruit - it must be covered by insulin in the same way.)  When Aaron eats that breakfast chock full of vitamins, minerals, potassium, fiber, and all that other nutrition and goodness, he gets 8 units of insulin.  That's a lot.  But it's not a problem. We don't typical limit healthy foods to force his carb count under a certain level.  

Eating the healthy breakfast and receiving a large bolus of insulin to cover the carbohydrates contained therein illustrates the idea that more insulin doesn't indicate there was a problem with what was consumed.  In fact, it indicates that that food will be properly converted into the energy a healthy kid needs to continue doing healthy kid things - like playing basketball, climbing trees, and racing his bike down the block at breakneck speed.  

Kids don't need medicine to do those things.  They need insulin.  Because it's not the enemy, it's the savior.  

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Have any questions you'd like answered here during Diabetes Awareness Month?  Shoot me an email or mention it in the comments here and I'll get on it :)

If you are interested in reading more about Aaron's story, check out the Caring for Our Child With Type 1 Diabetes page.  

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tiny disclaimer:  I'm not a doctor, nor do I pretend to be one on this blog.

Also, in this post, when I say things like, "don't panic if a diabetic's insulin dose is high," it's obviously referring to an otherwise healthy kid whose condition in under careful management by his parents and doctors.  Obviously :)

Autumn Party Place Cards (a craftiness show and tell)

In addition to making soup, I worked on another special little project to dress up the table at this year's soup party.  The kids and I combined forces to make these cute pumpkin place cards.  

what a happy little row!

by the end of the evening most of the name tags were off and the pumpkins had been converted by the boys into projectiles :)
(they ARE soft and squishy, and sort of beg to be tossed around!)

The pumpkins were made using this pattern from Planet June.