How's Layton?

In the next few posts my blog is turning into my personal online diary of sorts. My mind and soul sometimes just needs to "talk it out" yes, I talk to myself frequently (and my sister too)! Full conversations at times, yes, me being my own therapist!

How's Layton? Layton has shown such amazing strength, resilience, tenacity, adventure, courage, he is wise and mature beyond his years (yes, he can slip into behavior reminding me he's 6 and a little boy yet) he has made my heart swell with pride, love, compassion and everything good a mother can say about her child. We have had a few bumps in the 4 week road with diabetes but Layton has handled each one with grace. Layton has taught me how to be strong and push self doubt to the side. In 4 weeks, he has only had 5-6 bouts of self pity and sulking - less than 1 hour in total combined length. Me....I've shed hours worth of tears for him.

His self pity bouts are 100% human, normal and natural and very far and few between...
1. The realization Type I diabetes is forever. Frequent blood tests and shots are a new normal.
2. No one gave him diabetes and he can't give anyone diabetes.
3. No more liquid sugar (no fruit juice, no Gatorade, no regular pop)
4. Dr visit + Denver trip + no party = CRAPPY BIRTHDAY
5. Not being able to eat / snack when he feels like it (we need to keep a regular meal / snack schedule due to insulin) we are all getting better at not grabbing a bite or a snack just because it's there.


He has had several firsts, many are mixed emotion but not self pity
1. First weekend getaway with Mom and Dad sans siblings (the initial weekend we tried to do kid friendly stuff to remind him and us KID first, diabetes second. We went shopping, to the movie, thru the "fun" car wash, played at the park, went swimming, ate out)
2. First hospital stay and sick day learning (a whole separate post)
3. First class party - one of his best buddies' parents took on the food and drink for the part to make everything Layton possible and not single him out at all. She is a close friend of mine and her actions moved me beyond words. She went above and beyond plus being a caring friend to me through everything. She has asked many questions learning along side of us knowing Layton will spend many many hours at her house playing and hanging out in the years to come.

Life will continue to challenge us. Before every shot Layton takes a deep breath and blows it out to prepare. After every shot there are high fives and hugs. After the last shot everyday I hug him and say "this is one more day down of shots" My hope and prayer each day is for strength, grace and a cure for diabetes. We authorized additional vials of blood from him for research, plus later this week Julia and Lincoln will be tested as part of a research trial. A blood test may seem harsh to some but for us it's peace of mind. An old saying "don't ask the question you don't want the answer to" this question we might not want the answer to, but we need to know.