My name is Jennifer, and I live in Southern California with my husband, Craig, and our two boys. Our oldest son James has been diagnosed with type 1 diabetes. I’m thankful for this opportunity — along with my sister-in-law Kim and her daughter Kaitlyn, who also has type 1 diabetes — to share our struggles and triumphs with our friends in the diabetes community.
by Jen M., Real Moms Talk Type 1
It’s the tagline for the Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest in California, but it could be the tagline for families with type 1 diabetes.
Technology has opened so many doors for kids with type 1 diabetes to participate in all the activities life presents to them. But that often means more work on the back end to make sure those activities are safe.
When being well-behaved could land you in the hospital, the right to be impolite should be part of your 504 plan.
In about six months’ time, James will be called upon to make a big decision that will affect the next four years of his life. (No, this isn’t about college!)
Jen M., Real Moms Talk Type 1
I thought James had successfully attended his most recent school trip without any special diabetes accommodations. Turns out, there was a tad bit more to the story.
I resisted the urge to follow the crowds or the trends, and I followed my son’s lead instead. It’s made all the difference.
The quantity of pieces that have to fit together just perfectly for modern diabetes care becomes clear when they’re suddenly dismantled with a careless wave of the hand.
by Jen M. Real Moms Talk Type 1
This school year, I had to really think about whether James still needed me — whether he needed anything at all.
Taking the exam for the first time freshman year provided a nice dry run for college testing with accommodations. Here’s what we learned.
While I would survive just fine without the quizzes and memes, I can’t ever completely disconnect. Because of diabetes.
