~Silver Strand Beach~ Oxnard, California.....

Silver Strand Beach, Oxnard, California. Everyday, my five best friends and I would take a sack lunch and a glass mason jar filled with water to this beach. The one difference, there were no life guards. But then, this was 46 years ago. This was where we spent our fantastic 1960's summers. As of tonight, there are three of us left. God speed, friend.

The Tooth...

Adalyne lost her first tooth. She will be six on July 2, 2009. Addy is just so normal. She loves jewelry, lip gloss, new clothes, dancing, riding her bike, playing with friends and sisters, and new pump packs. She dislikes anything scary, site changes, insulin shots, being "low," feeling hungry or thirsty, and being away from her family for very long.

There are so many things about Addy that are just like any other six year old. Then there are the things that make Addy different. The main two are Type 1 Diabetes and Celiac Disease. Addy can not share a friends birthday cake because it is made from regular flour. She can't go to McDonald's for a hamburger because the bun is not gluten free. She must wear a insulin pump pack with EVERY outfit. All these things can be managed. Ways have been found to accommodate diabetes and celiac into her life.

Addy was diagnosed so young that I don't think she remembers the time when she was not diabetic. But, I do. I remember the time when all Wendy had to worry about taking in the car was a diaper bag and her purse. Now, she carries the diabetes bag, gluten free food, juice boxes, the diaper bag (Addy is the oldest of 3 children) and her purse. Diabetes and Celiac Disease have made it necessary to modify their family life to a new normal. Even Kaelyn who is three, can alert her mom with "I think Addy is low." Maya who is two, holds Addy's hand during insulin pump site changes.

Type 1 Diabetes is on the raging rise and Celiac is now found in one in every 137 people, adults and children. CURE is the most important word in my vocabulary. WHY is second.

Addy, George and Abbey...

Sometimes when I write, I sound like I am new to the world of Diabetes and the shock and change that this disease can bring to a family. Diabetes is not new to me. I have been caring for every of kind diabetes that can occur in children, adults and animals for most of my life. In one way or another, I have personally dealt with Diabetes and it's consequences everyday for almost 50 years.

Diabetes was unknown to me until I was nine. The year was 1958. In the 5th grade, I had a classmate who was blind and also had "childhood" diabetes. She and I became friends. I was assigned by my teacher to be her "eyes" while at school. I loved the job. I never knew what caused Mary Lynn's blindness. We never talked about it. But, we did talk about her diabetes. Mary accepted being blind. But, she often cried about diabetes. I was young, and never quite understood. I just remember sitting with her at school when she didn't feel well with a roll of lifesavers. I wonder if Lifesavers got their name from diabetes?

I had two friends in middle school who had diabetes. We never talked about their condition. I felt they were just like me, but there were differences. These friends missed lots of school and they were never allowed to go on field trips. At that time, parents NEVER were allowed in the classroom unless it was a party day and they Never went on field trips. Don't ask me why. It was just the way it was.

In high school, I was good friends with another teen who had diabetes and seizures. At the time, I thought they were two separate illnesses. I never connected the two. I just knew that I always had to spend the night at her house, and she could never spend the night at mine. And, she was not allowed to date. Everyone accepted that she was "sick" and we never questioned anything. We just lived by her parents rules.

I became a LPN in 1969 and received my RN in 1972. In the beginning, I practiced nursing and gave care to ill diabetics without the help of glucometers. We relied on keto sticks. The goal was to control diabetes with a very strict ADA diet plan. We were constantly on the lookout for the dreaded diabetic coma and insulin shock. We became experts at identifying the difference by physical assessment.

I could go through the whole history of how diabetic nursing care has changed, but I would have to write a book. For now, I want to say that I was a school nurse for eight years in grades K-12. I nursed without the benefit of insulin pumps. I left this position because the stress and liability was far too great for me to manage. Currently, I manage a MD WIC (The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infant's and Children) which is a program governed by the USDA. Everyday I write Nursing Care Plans and provide Nutritional Care Counseling for PG Mom's with gestational diabetes, women with type 1 and type 2 diabetes and infant's and children with type 1. Yes, I said infants.

In 1998 my beloved cat, George was diagnosed with diabetes. I recognised the S/S immediately, but couldn't believe it. I denied what I was seeing for two weeks. Then, George became lethargic and I had to face the truth. So, I entered the world of managing a beloved pet with diabetes. I did B/S check ever 4 hours and PRN. I delivered insulin shots twice a day and PRN. I started living with an alarm clock around the clock. I also started living with A1c's. Ugh, talk about a stressful appointment. To me, it was a trial of how well I was doing as George's nurse.

In 1999, my two year old Schnauzer, Abbey (Highlanders, Light of Abadonia) became blind. Imagine my surprise when I was told that she was also diabetic. It was never confirmed if Abbey's blindness was due to diabetes. But, I took complete responsibility. Surely, it was I who had missed something.

To make a long story short, I managed diabetes and the expense of this disease in a dog and a cat for a total of 5 years. They were on different diets, different feeding schedules, and different insulin's delivered at different times. My life became a series of two alarm clocks. No matter how I tried, they both succumbed from diabetic complications one year apart. I was broken hearted.

George died July 12, 2004. On July 25, 2005 my 24 month old granddaughter, Adalyne Erin Rose was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes after going into DKA. "This day will live in infamy." Diabetes has exhausted me. Now, it is exhausting my daughter and our entire family. And what is worse, this horrible disease is taking it's dreaded toll on our precious Adalyne. In December 2008, Addy was diagnosed with Celiac disease. RATS!



I ABSOLUTELY HATE THESE BLASTED DISEASES.

My Diabetic-Celiac Play List...

How love songs take on new meanings when Diabetes and Celiac Disease suddenly burst upon the scene!

When You Love Someone, Bryan Adams...

"You'll do anything, you will do all the crazy things that you can't explain, you'll shoot the moon, put out the sun, you'll deny the truth, there will be times that you believe that you can really fly, your lonely nights have just begun, when you love someone you feel it deep inside and nothing else will change your mind, When you love someone you sacrifice, give it everything you got and you won't think twice, you risk it all, when you love someone."

This song perfectly describes my love for Adalyne. I would do anything for a cure, believe anything, try anything, do anything. Addy can have my pancreas, I would risk it all... yes, I would..... if I could.


Press On, Selah

My discouraged feelings when fund raising and team support do not meet my expectations. Especially, when I know that I have given it my all. And, it is still not enough. Insulin is not a cure. In Jesus name I will press on, I will not give up nor give in. Thank you dear Lord for everyone who extends help to my sweet Adalyne and her family.

Always On My Mind, Willie Nelson

For Wendy and she knows why. You are strong despite. Please listen carefully.

Right Now, Van Halen

"Don't want to wait 'til tomorrow. Come on..it's everything. Catch that magic moment. It means everything!"

I want a cure for Addy right now!


Forever, Kenny Loggins

"When all is said and done... I needed to be by your side if only to hold you.. Even when I am gone you will be here in me. Once I dreamed that you were gone, I tried to find you. I begged the dream to end. Forever in my heart, you will be."

Adalyne is my grandchild forever, before diabetes and after diabetes. She is mine forever. Praise Jesus, she is mine.

Crucified With Christ, Phillips, Craig and Dean

I was completely despondent after Addy's diagnosis.....

"I found the cross was calling, even though it took dying to survive. I never felt so much alive. I am crucified with Christ, and yet I live. Not I, but Christ who lives within me"

It is not my strength, but His. He gives me the courage to fight the battle with this blasted disease. With hope there is life.

Unchained Melody, Righteous Brothers

Bob, I love you. Thank you for standing beside me when I have been totally consumed with Diabetes and Celiac.

I'm Going Home, Kingston Trio

"I love her tender mountains, yet she (CA) could not hold me."

Sometimes I feel that if I was still living in California and not Maryland, I could be with Wendy when she needed me. I could get in the car at 6AM and be in AZ by noon.....sigh.

Little Surfer Girl, The Beach Boys

I was a little beach girl, and he was a big surfer. He is Addy's grandfather. His mother had Rheumatoid Arthritis which is an auto immune disorder like diabetes. My dad had Multiple Sclerosis,another auto immune disorder. Is Addy's diabetes which is an autoimmune disorder a fluke, caused by a virus or.....from us?

You Look Beautiful Tonight, Eric Clapton

Yes, there was life before Diabetes...and there will continue to be a good life after Diabetes. Thank you, Jesus.

Shout To The Lord, Michael W. Smith

The GOOD A1C Song!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

The Summer of '69, Bryan Adams

Please God, I need a break, but I also know that Wendy and Jason need it more. So, I will hang in there today and always. Please Jesus, let Wendy and Jason sleep peacefully tonight and Lord, please let Addy's numbers be OK while they do it.

Young and Beautiful, Elvis

How could anyone so young and beautiful as Adalyne Erin Rose have both Diabetes and Celiac? Change kiss to "let me hug you tenderly." Really, I am not weird!

Today, John Denver

Today....I will be grateful for today. I will remember "the joy that is mine today." I will not rush tomorrow. I will sing praise for today but, please Jesus, is today the day that Addy will be cured? "I can't live on promises Winter to Spring," but...I will, I know that I will because you are my strength. I will laugh, I will cry and I will keep praying that Today will be the day that there will be a cure.

Cry Out To Jesus, Third Day

I have a constant, never ending cry out.... to Jesus for a cure and for strength to endure until there is.

The First Time I Ever Saw Your Face, Peter, Paul and Mary
Where Have All The Flowers Gone, Kingston Trio
Layla, Eric Clapton

My escape songs. No need to explain.

Please Help Me...

I have spent a good deal of time today looking for blogs by grandparents supporting parents and grandchildren with Type 1 Diabetes and Celiac Disease. I can't find any. I am really interested in blogging with other grandparents about issues that accompany this "blasted" disease. I know that there must be some grandma's that blog about diabetes. Mom's and Dad's living with Type 1 and Celiac, please help me.

INSULIN IS NOT A CURE!

Calling all Type I and Celiac Grandma's...

I would like to give a Shout OUT to all Grandma's who are offering support to their Type 1 Diabetic and Celiac grandchildren. As a Grandma, we have the unique position of double concern. Not only do we keep a constant prayer in hearts for our affected little ones, but also for their parents, our children. To all of you, I give a hand. Wherever there is hope, there is life.

Hey there, Jason....

As much as I love my daughter, I do have to acknowledge that she can not take complete responsibility for my beautiful granddaughters Adalyne, Kaelyn, and Maya. These three beautiful little girls take after their very handsome Daddy, Jason. When you look into their beautiful eyes, you see Jason. When they smile, you see Jason. When they perform with agility and strength, you see Jason. When they crack a silly face, you see Jason. When you see Adalyne face life without fear, you see Jason. When you hear Wendy say, "He's my partner" she is talking about Jason. When I say I am so happy that my daughter is married to a Godly man. It is Jason whom I am talking about. Thanks Jason for taking such good care of my girls! I love you.