Stevie - My 9th child
Fatherless at age 8, Type 1 Diabetes at 10
Initial Emotions
When Stevie was diagnosed the guilt was overwhelming. Both of us parents were familiar with the signs of diabetes so we felt we should have known. However, there were other reasonable explanations for all of the symptoms and that mixed with a good dose of denial resulted in the unthinkable, our child in a coma fighting for her life. We were afraid. For two and a half days we didn't know if our daughter would live or die.
Once we got past the guilt and fear the next phase was being overwhelmed with the day-to-day management of her diabetes; new diets, carb counting, 3:00 am blood sugar testing, insulin injections, etc.
The first few months after Stevie's diagnosis were crazy. I'd no sooner finish Stevie's meal or snack and it was time to begin the next one. By bed time I was exhausted only to have to get up in the middle of the night to check Stevie's blood sugar. I was so afraid something might happen I was counting carbs and fixing special meals 24/7 trying to micro-manage her blood sugar levels to perfection.
In time I realized there is life after diabetes and the hectic pace slowed down as I became more comfortable with our new life style and as Stevie participated more in self-management of her diabetes. Today, managing Stevie's diabetes is second nature, for both of us.
If you look closely you will see that Stevie is wearing a martial arts uniform and we are at a tournament. This is how I met Stevie, through martial arts. Three of my children are 2nd degree black belts and they were Stevie's instructors. I was the dojo's photographer and I took thousands of photos and videos for families who couldn't attend their child's competitions or demonstrations. Stevie earned her black belt in 2004.
Type 1 Diabetes
