Tragedy Is Only Temporary, Strength Is Forever

At the age of seven my life changed indefinitely. I was diagnosed with Type I Diabetes. Diabetes occurs when the pancreas does not and is incapable of producing insulin, a hormone that regulates carbohydrates. At such a young age, I was unable to feel the impact that Diabetes would leave on me. Now, however, I am beginning to understand what I am up against for the rest of my life. There was no explanation as to why I received such a disease. My parents first began to realize that something was wrong when I became thirsty constantly. No matter how much I drank I was continually dehydrated. Though doctors are unsure of why I acquired such a mishap, it may be due to the fact that I had a very bad case of the chicken pox which may have a caused a reaction in my pancreas to cause it to stop producing insulin. Throughout my life I have learned many lessons because of my fate. Thankfully, I can not remember much of that time.

What I do remember is the ride to the hospital. It was a sunny day in April, eleven years ago. My parents were both sitting in the front seat of the car quietly eating bagels. I was upset because my mother told me that the doctor said I could not eat before my visit. I felt that was unfair to me and I could not understand why I was not allowed to have just one bite. So instead of complaining I situated myself with watching the clouds roll by. I remember I was day dreaming of being princess of the clouds. The rest of that day is completely lost in my memory. I do not remember actually arriving at the hospital, or even finding out the news that I was unfortunately a Diabetic.

I spent nine days in the hospital. Nine days. Within those nine days I can remember my mother taking me for walks around the hospital. My mother was by my side the entire time we were in the hospital. She is the reason I have survived this tragedy. She helped me to keep my chin up and always told me to think positive. Without my mother, my life would have been an everyday struggle. She managed to keep a smile on my face while behind closed doors she would cry all the time. I am grateful to have such a caring and understanding mother.

The day that Pocahontas came to the hospital to tell the children stories was a great day. I was so excited when she came that I forgot why I was in a hospital. She sat us all down in a circle and began to tell us the story of her life. It was so much fun. She even took pictures with us and I still have the picture to this day. One day my first grade teacher Mrs. Ognibene came to visit me. I was so ecstatic. She brought me a get well card signed by all the kids in my class. I was glad that everyone wanted me to get better. I missed school everyday and I could not wait to get released from the hospital and to get back to my friends. That day Mrs. Ognibene and I played a few board games and she gave me some of the work I was missing. I do not remember anything else about my stay in the hospital. Personally, I believe that is a good thing.

Life became very difficult after the nine days I spent in the hospital. My parents and I were on our own to deal with my health. We went through many struggles regulating my blood sugar including the many times when it had dropped too low and I fainted or the many other times when my blood sugar was way too high and it was a strain to bring it down. There was a time when I ended up hospitalized due to a seizure. We were at my grandparent's house in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. I do not remember being in the hospital. I only can recall waking up with a teddy bear that was unfamiliar to me. I was shocked when my mother told me of the previous nights events. I had no recollection of the way I scared my family.

Throughout the first few years of my battle with Diabetes, I learned many things. At such a young age I already was beginning to be responsible. I learned how to take care of myself and I gained an understanding of my Diabetes. These lessons have helped me tremendously throughout my life.

The first thing I learned when I was diagnosed was how to give shots. At first it was scary. I imagine I gave my mother a hard time when it came time to do my blood sugar or take my insulin. At first it was pretty painful to even prick