Mother Like Daughter Who Teaches Mother A Few Things

You know that horror when you make a facial or verbal expression that resembles your mother...

My husband always calls me on it "OK Colleen" he says with a smile and a giggle (colleen is my mother's name)

Not that it's a BAAAAD thing to sound like my mom (love ya mom) it's just funny!

Well my dear Kailyn, just had that moment,
She was on this thing the kids are calling facebook...have you ever heard of it? lol Ya right!!
It is her life line, she is always on the computer.

Anyhow, All of a sudden she comes stomping into the dinner room where I, like my daughter was checking up on my facebook peeps.  "UMMM, this girls status says I'm very scared I'm close to getting diabetes" in her best 13 year old vally girl pissed off "O NO YOU DIDN'T" kind of voice.

"what?" I said, things sometime take me a little while to catch on. 

Kailyn continues "like, (as she rolls her eyes) that is not even possible! what does she mean she is "CLOSE" (a little head shake) to getting it" UGH!!

and in that moment I saw myself...guard up and ready to spout off type 1 facts and information!

shhhh do not tell her I added this picture...she hates it! ME & KAY

Kailyn is a very passionate and protective big sister.  She helps us with Cara's care at school, she is involved in fundraising every year for the JDRF and she is an advocate.  Sometimes her 13 year old mouth gets ahead of her 13 year old brain but whatever it is, it is all done with love for Cara and type 1's.    


I explained to Kailyn just because she does not have the terminology right does not mean that she is not looking at a diagnoses of type 1 diabetes.  It takes a lot of information and knowledge of this disease to fully understand the "right" words to use without insulting someone with a little more experience with T1.  Just because she does not have the same vocabulary that you have learned and developed over the last 2 years since Cara's type 1 diagnoses does not mean she's not sharing the same fears and life changing anxiety that comes with this disease.    You should reach out to her, ask a few questions and if it is type 1 and if she is suffering from symptoms and is scared or if she has any questions you should offer your knowledge and support.  And if it is not type 1, you can always educate her.

Because of this conversation Kailyn has taught me something. 

Sometimes I really don't like the way I sound. 

Type 1 diabetes is very near and dear to my heart, especially type 1 awareness and because of this my 32 year old mouth leads the way before my 32 year old brain can kick in.  In other words I can get a little worked up and jump when sometimes I need to take a breath and look at the situation with different eyes.

and now all I can think about is this child and her family...Fingers crossed she just does not know what she is talking about and that she will NEVER have the chance to learn!! 

But if it is a type 1 diagnoses I do know a wonderful young 13 year old that would be an amazing support.