McKenzie's "D Team" appointment March 22 2011

We went to visit McKenzie's “D team” today. AKA the greatest Nurse and Endocrinologist in the world. Kenz is doing great, we need to tighten up a little bit and get back under a 7 on the A1C but she is doing great for her age. We came to an understanding in the waiting room. McKenzie asked another young lady if she had a pump. The young lady, who was maybe 16 simply said “I DID” Kenzie’s eyes got big and she sat and listened to her new friend’s Dad explain that he took the pump away from her about a year ago. We joked and traded candy hunt stories. Turns out McKenzie did not invent the “in the pillow case hiding spot.” That cracked me up. I told him how we let McKenzie keep a couple of blow pops in her room in case of an emergency low. He said oh yeah his daughter also has emergency candy. I am starting to think the candy is sweeter if it is a challenge to get away with. We met a 20 or so year old young lady at IHOP in San Antonio. She had the same pump that McKenzie has. She broke the complications that could happen if blood sugar levels are not controlled down for Kenz real quick and from a firsthand perspective, in only a couple of minutes. I don’t like scare tactics when it comes to children. I am however starting to think the only way to get McKenzie’s attention is to inform her. We have a bit over the past 4 years, but have not let the scary stuff be the focus for her. Knowledge is power and I want both our girls to be powerful. I can talk to anyone about diabetes and how to control and fight it. I can explain how little researchers know about the cause. I can walk you through it all step by step, except the complications of uncontrolled diabetes. I have decided this is a problem that I can fix. I plan to educate myself and not shy away from that part of the fight when it comes up in conversations. I tend to get a big lump in my throat and listen only until I am able to change the topic or find a reason to remove myself from the conversation all together. When we go to the School Health Advisory Council meetings, it is just understood that Kevin will be handling that part of speaking. He does a wonderful job. He is able to show concern and you can tell how hard it is for him to talk about but he focuses and makes sure everyone present receives all the information necessary to make good choices that protect our children. I can and will do better. This is my promise to my brave, strong, and sweet young lady.