Bella

Bella is being admitted to St. Louis Children's Hospital. They are still running test but believe she has developed Type 1 Diabetes like her mommy due to two high blood sugar readings, excessive thirst and frequent urination. 

The doctor said because we were educated and vigilant in our watch for symptoms we caught it very early...which is great.  

Brandi was 14 when she was diagnosed so caring for a 5 year old with Type 1 will be a new experience, but I know Brandi and I have all of our D-Families that will share their knowledge with us. 

Bella's actually taking it like a champ and asked if I was going to ride and walk for her now too. 

Yes Bella, I'll ride for you. 

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The above was written while we were waiting for Bella to be taken to her hospital room. Her IV was inserted, a room was ready and we were ready to begin our second of "Diabetic Bootcamp."

I was devastated but resigned to the diagnoses, Brandi was in denial, saying she didn't believe Bella was diabetic. I understood how she felt, I went through the same thing 8 years ago when she was laying in the hospital bed after being diagnosed, and Bella was...I guess chatty would be the best way to describe her. 

"Mama, do I have diabetes?"

"Yes honey, the doctor thinks you do."

"Am I Type 1?"

"Yes baby, you are."

"Am I like my mommy?"

"I think so baby."

"Can I have my own blood checker?"

"Yes sweetie, you may have your own and we'll keep it in a special bag with your supplies."

Bella and I talked about diabetes and I asked her if she understood what is was...she did. We discussed checking her blood sugar before she ate and taking shots like her mom. We looked at cool medical alerts for kids...I was surprised how well Bella was adjusting, but then it dawned on me that diabetes has been a part of her life since conception. All of this craziness was normal for her. 

Then a miracle happened. The doctor came in and td us the lab results were back and she didn't have diabetes, but she said she did have the markers and would most likely develop it at some point. She said the two false highs were probably due to something on her skin or the alcohol not evaporating all the way, but her A1C and blood serum test were perfect. 

She encouraged us to remain vigilant and get her checked any time she showed high blood sugar levels because at some point diabetes will probably invade her life. 

I cried happy tears but Bella wasn't happy. She said it was because she wanted me to ride for her. 

Oh my dear child, I DO ride for you and every other person who may one day develop diabetes, but for now we've been granted a reprieve and my soul is singing with joy.