Mariele--Big ****-eating grin here...! It is very gratifying to get feedback like yours. You daughter does have it in for her, but my feeling has always been thus: If I'd not grown up with diabetes, I'd have become somebody else, most likely somebody less strong, more complaining, less determined, more uncertain, less self-sufficient, most self-indulgent, less self-controlled, more self-centered. In other words, all the strengths of my personality I pretty directly trace back to being shaped by my diabetes. I know that's not necessarily the case with many diabetics--who grow up defiant, stay in denial, become depressed and suffer early complications. Good parenting, good luck and a strong spiritual (NOT religious) side has helped a lot. I'd never say it's been a joy ride, but it's always been a joyous one. It's never been easy, but it's always been inspiring. Your daughter will need all the breaks, but does have every opportunity for as much of a life as she'd care to go for--as much as anyone, in fact--you don't need to grow up with diabetes to ruin your life, any excuse will do. I maintain she's got advantages over many exactly BECAUSE of her diabetes.
Stay in touch, and I'm inspired to have been an inspiration to you.
Michael
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