Our New Life

When I created this blog long ago, I did not think that I would use it much. But with a change in life, comes a change in need ;)

Anna, our precious 7 year old, was diagnosed with Type 1 (Juvenile) Diabetes on April 13, 2007. While my heart continues to cry that this is not fair, I know that I need to do my best to "get over it" and get on with what is now our "new life".

I thought I had a pretty good understanding of diabetes, after all I have a degree in Biomedical Science :) and my MIL is a Type 1, but I was wrong. Type 1 Diabetes is tough, unpredictable, unforgiving, unrelenting and ever-present. The reality of the fact that this is never going to go away is starting to set in.

Anna has done very well. PTL, she is a sweet, fun and compliant 7 year old. I pray that she stays that way. She has had a couple of crying sessions lately, one being last night. She asked if we could read the bible together. I think it was a big help and she is truly grasping that even though this is a bad thing that happened, God can make good come from it. I also want her to know that it is ok to be mad about it and think that it is not fair, because it is not. But that she and we have an amazing opportunity to allow God to use this situation for good in us and others. A big concept for a 7 year old and something that most people are not forced to learn until much later in life.

So, with this posting comes my first foray into the diabetes blogosphere. Bear with me as I relay our adjustment to life as we now know it.

It's Christmas!! We are so excited. Alex is a little frustrated, as he does not understand why we cannot open the presents today. My sweet Anna has definitely captured the true meaning of the season this year and seems to be more excited about what she is giving than getting. We will be spending the next several days with family and friends. I will post some Christmas pictures soon! Merry Christmas all!!

In Christ,

Lissa

The Barker Family Blog; December 1st 2006