Yes, We Are "Flocking" CrAzY!

Pre-post note: The following took place after the JDRF Walk To Cure Diabetes last Sunday. And while this was a fun outing to the park, Joe had endured a site failure ... a 520 BG .. a site change .. and then bladed and played while we waited hours for his blood sugar to steady down into the 100s. His favorite memory of Scully is this particular outing. She is a phenomenal rollerblader. While watching them skate ahead, both with a quickness and grace that left me envious, I was comforted by their similarities .... on many levels. They are tough as nails; they are survivors; they are "bad ass".
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The neck of the blue flamingo (Dakoda) was hanging out of the mirrored,vibrant yellowish-orange Indian crafted purse. The bird looked somewhat awkward. Bridget was armed with a powder blue polka-dotted fleecy baby blanket, and the purse-flamingo-combo was slung over her shoulder as she scootered s-l-o-w-l-y and cumbersomely down the street.

As I took in the weirdness-laden sight, I wondered how many other "flocked" Type 1 Families have had similar experiences. Honestly?

I then looked down at myself and realized that I was just as "colorful" in my appearance. My "get-up" included a Beta Buddies t-shirt, gray cords, Rollerblades with hot pink laces, Bridget's bike helmet decked out with skulls, cross-bones, and the words "skate" and "destroy", and a Woodchuck #2 ... oh and wrist guards. It is no wonder Joe and Scully bladed quickly up the street and then up the path to the park. I think we were quite a site ... blue flamingo, Indian purse, baby blanket, almost 40 year old lady skating in 20 year old blades, hot pink laces, inappropriate helmet, Woodchuck #2 ... not to mention my lack of finesse on the blades.

At the park, Dakoda swung, as his neck was clutched by Bridget's hand. He served his purpose immediately when a man stated, "It isn't everyday that you see a blue plastic flamingo". Bridget and I explained that he was part of a Diabetes Awareness Campaign initiated by the Diabetes Dude. We went on to tell the gentleman that we had just participated in the JDRF Walk To CURE Diabetes where we were "flocked". Briefly, we touched on Type 1 Diabetes ... just enough ... not too much.

Bridget grew tired of swinging with Dakoda. She asked if I could hold him for her.

So...

Add into the picture of my ensemble a blue flamingo. I was a sight to behold rollerblading with Joe and Scully on the basketball court amongst a bunch of teenage boys playing hoops. At one point Scully looked over and even commented on my "interesting look". She was gracious and acted like she knew me. Well, she had no choice really ... as she was still wearing her Beta Buddies t-shirt from the Walk.

Dakoda has been busy living with the Mahers over this past week.

Dakoda has had a sponge bath.

Dakoda has worn a "snowman" cape (WTF?) to attend 4th grade with Bridget.

Dakoda has gardened with Joe and I.

Dakoda has been fun and quite entertaining to have around.

Anyone have any "nominations" for a "flocking"? We will send Dakoda on in a week or two to another Type 1 family. Please comment if you have a suggestion. Thank You.

A day-in-the-life with Dakoda.

For more information on the Diabetes Dude click here.