Dear Little Queenie

Day 2 of Diabetes Blog Week: Letter Writing Day

Dear Little Queenie,

Enjoy every moment of your childhood because it will pass quickly.  Even though you are only four years old right now, and have so much to experience, do what you want.  Don't let others tell you what you can and cannot do.  If you set your mind to it, you can accomplish the task. 

Even though you really didn't understand what was happening to you when you went to the UIHC for one week on Halloween, you were disappointed.  And, rightfully so.  Getting to dress up and go trick-or-treating is a big deal for kids.  It is a good thing that mom and dad were advocating you at such an early age, requesting that you go to the hospital after you dressed up as a witch and went around the neighborhood with your brother and neighbor, being escorted by your dad and the neighbor's dad.  Your dad and mom will always be there for you - always advocating, helping, and doing whatever they can for you. 

Advocating is important.  Dad and mom will start fundraising and donating to helping finding a cure for diabetes in a month, and continue on for the rest of your life.  Even your brother will help in this effort.  He will run a marathon in support of the SpringPoint project, dedicating the race to you and finding a cure for diabetes.  You will even start to be a small advocate, walking with a student of yours that has diabetes and joining in the Tour de Cure bike ride.  Always hope for a cure. 

Don't always listen to the doctors, although they want what is best for you.  You will have good doctors, even great ones, and then one that does not understand your personality.  Your current endocrinologist will be with your for 18 years.  She will try her best to help you, take some of the knowledge she shares with you with a grain of salt.  She will tell you that diabetics should have an A1C between 4 and 6.  Please know that even if you do not have an A1C between these numbers DOES NOT mean that you are a failure.  It means you are human. 

You will work hard for years to be in good control.  You will constantly be concerned with keeping your A1C between 4 and 6, but know that it is not (for you) the healthiest thing to do.  You will test a lot, but still experience your fair share of high and low blood sugars.  Some will be scary.  Some will be frustrating.  Take it all in stride.

Lastly, you can be whatever you want to be.  Don't let others think you are not smart enough or talented enough to not achieve what you want to do.  You will go on to get a master's degree, volunteer in Ohio, and run many races.  You will be a better runner than you ever thought you could be.  You will earn the respect of your brother for your running achievements, and your parents will be your fan club.  You will do more than you thought possible.  Even when you are older (26), you still will not know all that life has in store for you.  But, you will be excited to find out.

Go out and be the change you wish to see in the world.  Go out and make a difference.  Go out and excel at life.

Love,
Your Future Self