One Week Later

Amazed what a difference a week has made.

Claire is no longer as fearful of her blood tests and insulin injections. Her tears and tantrums have subsided. She no longer runs away when "it's time!" There are no more 45-minute-screaming-bloody-murder-wrestling-matches-that-everyone's-balling-by-the-end bedtime insulin injections...(Praise God!) She's learning to push through her fears and focus her mind by reciting Scripture when she's unsure of the next poke. Her current favorite is Isaiah 41:13 "For I am the Lord your God who takes hold of your right hand and says do not fear, I will help you, Claire!"

She's made a smooth transition at school in a number of ways. She's educating her peers all about Diabetes T1. Only eating low carb snacks in the classroom (i.e. jerky, carrots, cheese sticks, walnuts, cashews, sugar snap peas, pistachios, etc) and has she ever been responsible about this! If a special birthday treat is shared at school, she puts hers in a baggie to eat with dinner, and scibbles down the hall to get herself a sugar-free crystal light Popsicle as her celebratory snack. She's also been UBER responsible about her new school nurse visits...bringing her blood tester and insulin to the nurse before her lunch recess poke, off to recess, then an insulin shot on the way to the lunchroom, eats lunch (which all carbs have been tallied), then returns to the nurse to retrieve her Diabetes paraphernalia before returning to the classroom. PHEW!

Diabetes affects the whole family...even little sister Kate. While she's been an incredible support, this little cookie is starting to crumble, too. She's not so sure she's ready to trade in goldfish for walnuts...but likes the drinking crystal light with her after school snack. :) We've decided that one way we can support Claire is to eat the same way as she does. We're all learning to snack in a healthier way.

Lonnye was hesitant to take his monthly Kansas work trip as well. Normally, it's hard for him to be away, but under these circumstances, even harder. But we decided he should go...needing to keep life as "normal" as possible. His only change of plans is cutting the trip short by a few days so he can be a part of Wed doctor appointment. This family is SOOO blessed by this man...

My learning curve has also been steep, but am thankful Claire & Kate & Lonnye are gracious with me. I never imagined giving blood tests/injections and counting carbs would be a part of MY daily routine. I've got a lot to learn!

And talking about facing a giant that puts you on your knees...that's exactly what Diabetes has done to this family! Our mealtime prayers have exploded for all our loved ones who face medical challenges, too. Praying for others in the midst of our struggles brings much needed perspective. Sisters praying for sisters at bedtime. God also showed me some verses to pray over the girls...writing them out and hiding 'em in their rooms has been fun, too.
Here are a few of our favs:
"I know that God is causing all things to work together for your good, Claire & Kate"
"The Lord has a plan for you that includes a hope and a bright future, Claire & Kate"
"Kate & Claire, the joy of the Lord will always be your strength!"

Praying our journey will bring Him glory...somehow...someday...