Hey there, friends! It's been a while here on this little blog, I know! Life moves and twists and little feel-good things that we do just for us, like a blog, get left behind -- and yet I don't have the heart to stop writing so, here I am.
Last I left you, our son, aged 7, had just been diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes and we were...surviving, for sure, but knee deep in new information, at daily doctor visits and slightly overwhelmed with learning this whole new lifestyle -- and all the while, grieving a little bit for the chunk of childhood our son was losing.
I think having a child with a health problem (big or small) is a whirlwind that can easily sweep up your free time, your spare thoughts and a fair chunk of your happiness at times. It feels as if this past year flew by me like a car speeding past in the next lane - one you don't even feel like you ever knew was behind you and then, bam!-- is out of sight.
I can be thankful, though (so thankful, really!). Last year taught me, as cliche as it sounds, to just focus on the moment we were in, and that has been a gift. I learned not wonder or fear about the future - what Jake's life would be like as a 25 year old diabetic, or if his children will have the disease or --- (remember...breath!) or even to worry about the next day. Having such a huge amount of control taken out of my hands was, honestly, just what I needed. It reminded me of the things I've known for years, but have just let lay dormant in my mind -- truths like, God is in control. (Did you hear that? GOD is in control! Not us!). When something uncontrollable happens to your child (again, whether big or small) - the only option is to hand it over to the Lord because, guess what, mama? He can carry it! It's not too big, it's not too out-of-control, it's not too messy or scary or hard for Him.
Nothing is.
This year, I had to shift my focus in so many ways and that was a blessing. From this year of re-focus and letting go has come so many beautiful things -- richer friendships, a healthy child and even new music! (<-- check it out here!)
This year has been a beautiful reminder to just get out there and live! Write the songs, call your friend, try the new recipe, go on a date with your spouse -- just focus on what you can do today and let God carry the rest. (Think of Him as a wonderful friend in Highschool who will walk around beside you and carry all the books you don't need right at that moment! How nice would that have been??)
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So friends, fast forward almost 1 year in our family (how has it been that long?!) and we are doing great. Our son is gaining independence daily and it is incredible to watch him manage his own health at such a young age. I don't know many 8 year olds who casually give themselves 4 needles a day! I could barely handle 1 booster every few years! His bravery is one of my favourite things in this world. It is an honour to be his mom.
I am happy to see this new year come and excited for what it will bring. And as for this little blog? I hope to keep it up as a place to be creative, to write about frivolous things like clothes and important things like faith and as a place to connect with you all! (But hey, it is January -- National "start-new-things-that-you'll-forget-by-March" month, soooo, you never know what the year will bring!).
For now, friends, I hope you all have a lovely start to January!
Love from,
Valerie
xo
