Expect the Unexcpected

If the last 365 days has taught me anything it is to expect the unexpected. Layton turned 6 January 23rd. He was also diagnosed with Type 1 juvenile onset diabetes, same day. Friday afternoon at 2:13 pm.

Initially a huge flood of tears shared with our Dr, a fellow mother, wishing it was a different diagnosis. We spent the next 90 minutes waiting and running additional tests hoping the outcome was not diabetes. Layton watched a movie not sure why he was still sitting in the room, he was so innocent, looking forward to pizza and wings sporting his new Peyton Manning jersey. Saturday was set to be his first "friend" birthday part; a bowling extravaganza with Bronco's cake and Hug juice barrels (his favorite). I silently sobbed and prayed waiting for Evan to arrive as we could discuss the next steps. Evan arrived and we took Layton for walk to tell him; it was confusing for a 6 year old. Heck, it was a lot to process as a parent.

Our Dr came back in, luckily he wasn't in DKA so we didn't have to be hospitalized that night but did have to be in Denver by 9 am Saturday morning. Yep, MOTHER of the YEAR had to cancel his birthday party....it sucked for him and me. He has since reminded me frequently how crappy his birthday was and I agree! We did go for pizza and wings with a bonus ceremonial cupcake with 6 candles to top the night off. We shut the lights off while we lit his 6 candles, he devoured and savored the treat right down to licking the cupcake paper clean.

Saturday morning we were in for an early drive to Denver, on the road by 5 not knowing what the day and coming days would hold. We attended class with three other families who had children also diagnosed on Friday, we quickly bonded and became cheerleaders for each other! Saturday was "survival" training. What is Type 1, what is insulin, how do you check blood sugars using a meter, how do you administer insulin, what is glucagon, and the list goes on, in 5 short hours we received an enormous amount of data pertaining to Layton and his new lifestyle! We were then turned loose for the rest of Saturday and Sunday set to return Monday morning for additional classes. The first day we fumbled through, figuring out how to run the meter, administer shots, timing food, new snacks, exercise, playtime, maybe eat a balanced diet (kinda laughable being on the road in a hotel) but we stuck together, bonded and learned together.

Saturday night was the first time Layton had felt full and thirst quenched for a few weeks. Plus he was dry all night long, it was amazing how quick he came around. After the initial tears, meltdown and anxiety of testing and the first shot Layton has been Amazingly strong and positive. he knows the shots help him  feel like his old self again. Those first two days our chatty, endless energy, wound up little man came back.

Our journey, our story with diabetes is just beginning. The first few days were a rollercoaster of emotions, we are so extremely blessed by loving, giving, caring family and friends.