Tuesday, June 14, 2011

Little Miss Independent

Back before preschool was over, Lovebug decided that she didn't want me help her get dressed every morning. Every morning it was the same fight, I had to help her get dressed and she wanted to do it all by herself. Tears and yelling would ensue and I would win the "fight" but not after feeling pretty rotten that I had to help her out. The whole problem was the before D (this was 2 years ago) she was already getting herself dressed and then we had to go back to me helping her again. She didn't mind at first but now, she hates it. She wants to be more like her big sister and be able to get herself dress.  Heck, I can't blame her. I would HATE having to rely on someone else to help get me dressed every morning!  

What it all comes down to is the fact that she has to be able to unhook herself from her pump in order to get her pump shirt off in the morning and put it on before bed. She wears a pump shirt at night instead of a pump pouch like she does during the day. In order to put it on you have to unhook the pump from the site, run the tubing through the button hole in the shirt and hook the tubing back up to the site.  I wanted to show her, but at the same time I didn't want to have to worry about her pulling her sites out all the time or hurting herself. (or dropping her pump, the list goes on....) This is another one of those things that just pulls at my heart strings.  She should be able to get herself dressed in the morning, WITHOUT my help.  (or anyone else's for that matter) I hate that diabetes has taken some of her independence away.  

Needless to say she has been really pushing me lately to let her do things by herself, (not necessarily d-related things all the time) So I have been giving her more independence, where I can and as she is comfortable.  The biggest one has definitely been getting herself dressed.  

One morning she comes downstairs and is already dressed! (the girls don't typically get dressed until after breakfast)  I was surprised, shocked and happy all at the same time.  It brought tears to my eyes. She had figured out all by herself how to unhook her pump site and get her pump out, put it in her pump pouch, along with Dexie and hook herself back up. Gulp. I have never been so proud of something so simple as getting dressed. 

It is those little steps of independence that have just really been pulling at my heart strings lately.  I know they grow up. I know they like to be more independent, but why  is it so bittersweet to watch Lovebug (and now Princess) grow up and become more independent?  

I know what it is, deep down I do.  It's because I know what they are going to have to struggle with as they get older. The stereotypes they will have to overcome and the challenges that lay ahead.  I am not ready to give that burden to them. I want to keep it and make it my burden. I just want them to be able to live their lives as they please without having to worry about giving themselves insulin every time they put food in their mouth. I want them to be free of all the doctor appointments. I want them not to know how to read food labels at the tender age of 5.  They shouldn't have to come and ask me how many carbs does this have in it mom? Or mom what is the code (for the food scale) so I can weigh my banana? I shouldn't hear out of her mouth, "Mom! Dexie says I'm low AGAIN!" My 5 and 3 years old just should NOT know what those words even mean, much less have to worry about them!! 

It just shouldn't be this way....



6 comments:

Unknown said...

The independence issues/growth is really becoming evident around here too. Good for her!!! That is wonderful that she figured it out and did it Heather.

Stephanie said...

Hi Heather,
I haven't commented in a long time, but I do read your blog regularly. You probably don't remember - I am a Type 1 diabetic and have been since age 10. I have three children and of course, am concerned about the possibility of them having diabetes at some point as well. My heart goes out to you.

I just wanted to encourage you - although at this point I can only just imagine the difficulty and pain of having a child with diabetes. Having had diabetes as a child - there ARE blessings in it. That increased sense of independence and responsibility can be a good thing in developing character! Diabetes is just who I am and how I deal with life - and I'm sure your daughters will grow to think that as well! Yes, it can be tiring sometimes, but they will be strong, responsible, and persevering adults!!

Have you ever heard the Laura Story song Blessings? Here's a link... I hope it encourages you!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4mmgV6mPvb0

God Bless,
Stephanie

Unknown said...

Beautiful post, my friend.

Little things like dressing herself with D...they're so much bigger than they appear.

Praying for you always. You're doing a great job...and God is good!

Meri said...

You are so right, it should NOT be this way...but look at the opportunity diabetes gives them to amaze us everyday! And amaze us they do! I'm so impressed by my boys, and your sweet girls. They are crazy resourseful!

Hallie Addington said...

I'm crying! Because I get it. Because you're right - it shouldn't be this way. Because my little one is growing up too. Too fast. And it makes me I'll to think of her taking on all that D requires. I want to carry that for her forever. Not realistic... But still. ((hugs))

Denise aka Mom of Bean said...

Yes, growing up and them finding their independence is hard enough without throwing D into the mix. Totally bittersweet that she's able to do all the D related things that have to be done to just get dressed!
I'm with you on wanting to carry the burden for them for as long as you can...but I honestly feel that the more they are able to do for themselves, the more in control they feel and the lighter that burden can be. I'm not saying it won't be heavy at times, but at least for Bean, the more she is in control the better it seems for her! ;)

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