It was Friday, August 13th, and we had gone to her well check up. We were told that Jessica’s bgs were elevated (via dipstick) so we went for a blood draw. The call came at dinner, from the doc himself. “Jessica’s bgs is 597. Which hospital do you want to take her to tomorrow?” WHAT? We had no health insurance and my husband was unemployed. I spent a sleepless night on my face before God, pleading for His help. Just how was this going to work? GOD - that’s how.
At the beginning of that summer, I’d gotten a part-time job at a home infusion company. After Jessica’s diagnosis, that same company GAVE us all her insulin, syringes, alcohol wipes. ketone strips, glucagon - everything we needed except the test strips. And that continued until we got health insurance. God.
For the next 8-9 years, the local children's hospital worked with me to let me pay for her quarterly endo visits, meters, test strips, etc. at a pace I could manage. And if you could have seen my checkbook - you’d know Who it was. God.
My husband - who is deathly afraid of needles - cooperated when I told him that Jessica would be ‘shooting’ us as often as she wanted to. God.
Staying in Jessica’s hospital room, while she flitted around, making friends, learning about how to take care of her D, playing games. I wasn’t allowed to leave - but she was hardly ever in the room - my social butterfly. God.
Two seizures in the middle of the night. Jess’ room downstairs, ours upstairs. How did I know to get up and run downstairs? God.
Jess has only been hospitalized twice. Her initial diagnosis and when she got her pump. God.
After dinner Thursday night, Jess sat down next to me and said “Saturday is the 13th.” August 13th. Eighteen years. Amazing. God.
Thanks for the beautiful post, Mom. And thank you for taking care of me for so long. I love you!
That's a beautiful post!! Congrats on the big 18, and for MANY MANY more healthy ones. It's scary to think about those times when lows take over us. Lucky for us, God is watching over us, as your mom said. We can do this.
ReplyDeleteWhen I was sent to the ER in DKA, the RD on duty at my college was a Type 1 on a pump. He was the one that convinced me to go - that I needed medical attention.
ReplyDeleteYou can't tell me that's not God taking care of us! Of all the jobs for your mom to have at that time, she got one that would help you stay alive just a few months later.
Great post. Thanks for sharing your perspective, Jess's mom, as scary as it might have been. Amazing as the time passes, and so much to be thankful for - such as your obvious awesomeness through the years!
ReplyDeleteThis post was wonderful, it really touched me. Your mom has a beautiful outlook on D and all that goes with it. Thanks for the reminder about what really matters. :)
ReplyDeleteLoved this Jess.
ReplyDeleteReyna
Thank you Jess's mom for writing this blog. Very beautiful.
ReplyDeleteWonderfully beautiful. Thank you for opening up and sharing.
ReplyDeletetears in my eyes, thanks so much to both of you for sharing.
ReplyDeleteexactly. sweet perspective, Mom!!
ReplyDeleteThis post is absolutely beautiful. I love hearing the words of your mother...the thoughts, the worries, the faith. I haven't ever met her, but it all sounds so familiar. Live, laugh, love.
ReplyDeleteJust saw this Jess..and am reminded how God is so good.
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