Comment by debb on July 30, 2008 at 2:18pm

hi jennifer it sounds like you have a great kid there. she has her thinking cap on and is asking questions. that's fantastic. your being able to be open with her is just what she needs. it sounds like you are waiting for her to be comfortable enough to ask those questions instead of trying to push it all on her. sometimes that's all you can do. i don't have a child with diabetes but i did raise two children, a girl and a boy. i know all about keeping the lines of communication open and waiting for them to come to me. it's the hardest thing in the world, but the rewards you get back are awesome. both of my kids come to me when they need advise or just to talk. they are now 33 and 29. to know that they trust my judgement lets me know that i did good as a parent. what greater compliment can a parent get? keep up the good work.

Comment by Marie B on July 30, 2008 at 2:18pm

Hi, Jennifer, and welcome to the community. This is the place to come whenever you need to talk to someone who really "gets" it. I was 13 41 years ago when I found out I had diabetes. It was a terrible time, and how I wished I'd had more support in the early years. Your incredible love for your daughter comes through every word you wrote, and believe me, she is a lucky girl!

Comment by Kristin on July 30, 2008 at 2:45pm

These heart-to-heart are SO important! I'm glad that she had a chance to vent a lot of her concerns.

For me, the biggest emotional concern about being diagnosed was how it would affect my future ability to have children... even though I wasn't thinking about having kids THEN. But I am now!!

The chances of the children having diabetes is quite low (I think around 5%), but diabetes and pregnancy does take special care and attention! But there are so many women who have had successful pregnancies and share their stories about it. It might help your daughter to read these stories and know that EVEN without a cure, she can live a normal life and achieve her dreams :) But we are all hoping for a cure for her and many others who struggle with diabetes!

Sounds like you have a very mature daughter!!

Comment by Robin Neel on August 1, 2008 at 8:56am

Hi Jennifer,
It sounds as if you have a great relationship with your daughter! That is a wonderful thing! Just remember that she can lead a normal and happy life. I was diagnosed at 10 years old. I had a healthy baby at the age of 23...she is now 24 and has not gotten diabetes yet. Does she belong to any teen support groups or have you thought about a diabetes camp?
I also live in NC. I'm in Troutman (near Mooresville - Lake Norman area). I have some really good friends that live in Summerfield. Warren and Lise Thomas...you may know them.

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