As I was talking to one of Lovebug's teachers this morning, I noticed out of the corner of my eye that she was giving each one of her friends hugs and telling them she missed them. How sweet is that?
Yes, yes she is. I already knew that, but when someone who doesn't know her that well or know much about diabetes to say that, meant a lot. It made me smile and gave me those warm fuzzies.
All that got me thinking. I know that Lovebug is an amazing kid, but how amazing I am just starting to realize.
The realization is setting in more and more each day, that she is teaching me a lot about myself. She is helping me be a better mother, daughter, and friend and she is only 4 years old!
She is always thinking of others first. The way she shows love to her friends by making them friends and her teachers at school cards and notes or drawing them pictures. There are some days that her daily folder is packed with 5 or 6 "notes" for her friends.
She is always asking how Daddy is doing? When he is tired and lying on the couch she will ask him if he feels okay or if he is just tired. She worries about her sisters when they are hurt or sick. She will randomly come up to me and give me a hug or tell me that she loves me. She always gives her big sister a hug when she gets home from school and is super excited to see her. On Sunday mornings she will run up and give her teachers a big hug. You can just tell that she loves people and cares about them.
When she was diagnosed the Type 1 she was so sick. She was my one kid that just never got sick. To see her sick was really hard. She was so needy and just not herself. But from the first shot of insulin she received in the hospital, she has always had the best attitude.
She has never complained about shots. When she was first diagnosed she would remind me that she needed her insulin before she ate, or remind me to poke her finger. (she still does on occasion when I am distracted and forget!) She hasn't ever cried for a Sensor change or an infusion site change for her pump. (although a couple times I have gotten and "ouch, ouch, ouch, Mommy) She doesn't ask me why, or complain about her diabetes. (at least not yet anyway.) She is so laid back with the whole thing. She just goes with the flow and doesn't worry about it.
Her teachers have told me that she helped them when they were first learning her diabetes care. Mrs C and Mrs W would tell me she would give them a high-five when they got it right. Lovebug would come home and tell me that she Mrs C got it right on the second try today and the she was so proud of her! That is just CRAZY! I guess she even high -fived the principle, Mr. N when he was in her room and helped out one day. She is really encouraging to others, and it blesses my heart to see it.
I have to admit that I could take a few cues from her. I need to be more laid back and just go with the flow. That's hard for me. I like to be in charge and know what to expect. I don't particularly like life's little forks in the road or detours. It's that first born in me! I have noticed that when I am having a frustrating day with diabetes and I want to ring it's little neck, Lovebug is the one that will calm me down, so to speak. When I see her start complaining the way I am, well you get the point. It's a HUGE wake up call.
We are coming up on our 2 year Diaversary soon and two years into this, I couldn't be more proud. She is what makes diabetes tolerable. She is my little blessing, diabetes and all.
I am certainly one proud Mama.
