DBlog Week Day 2: Letter Writing Day

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Dear Dad,

Starting letters is always hard.  We've known each other too long for small talk, so I'll just say what I need to say.

Remember back on November 30th of 2001?  Of course you do...I don't think any of us will forget that day.  That was the day that mom picked me up from school, took me to the doctor, and by 4pm I was in the hospital with a diabetes diagnosis.  You weren't there for all that, but I remember mom calling you from the hospital room to tell you what had happened.  I remember your reaction too, upon hearing that your first born had been diagnosed with a chronic condition.

"Can't they fix it?"

But alas, they couldn't.  I got my first shot of insulin before you even arrived at the hospital, and that was only the beginning.

Mom did most of the staying with me in the hospital, but I remember you being there to take me home.  The huge trip to the pharmacy when we walked out with the big brown grocery bag of new diabetes supplies.  I remember how you promised to take me to Burger King after a long few days of eating only hospital food.  We calculated the exchanges in that burger, of course.

What I remember most is the following years.  I remember all the shots you gave me, when I was too tired of it to do it myself anymore.  I remember you encouraging me, all the while looking like you could cry yourself.  I remember you telling me on Easter the following spring, when you and mom had gotten me sugar free candy and I started to cry, that this is what God had given me, and I should deal with it accordingly.  That I could either keep on crying and be miserable the rest of my life, or I could make the most of it.

Thank you for helping me make the most of it.

Thank you for continuing to encourage me, even after I'm "grown up" and married.  For telling me just a few months ago, that when I'm ready to have children, I will, and be just as healthy as a non-diabetic.  Thank you for supporting me through college, and for always telling me to just get out there and do it when I doubt myself.  I have taught me to life with no regrets, diabetes or not.

I love you, and I know I can always lean on you.  I am forever grateful for being given the Godly father that I need.

Love always,
Faith