Saturday, February 25, 2012

Confidence

The following happened yesterday afternoon, after school. The interaction took place between Joe and one of his oldest and dearest friends. Children, and adults for that matter, can say things out of anger and frustration.


The snow was falling, heavy and wet. Joe was playing with a group of friends in the distance. I approached with Woodchuck. After school lows have been a frequent companion lately. A quick check confirmed it. 68. A juice was spiked and dispensed. Joe knocked it back.

I then gently probed him about a disagreement that he had just had with his friend.

"He was being mean to me mom. I told him that if he kept acting like that he would not have any friends. THEN. He said to me that if I still had diabetes when I was an adult I would not have any friends."

I wasn't really interested in the "he said-he said" business of the incident. There was only one thing I wanted to be sure of...

Before I walked off to leave him with his pals, I casually asked ... not wanting to make a big deal of the situation ... "Joe, you know that is not true?... right? ... diabetes will not make people not like you."

In an authentic, upbeat voice, Joe said "Of course not mom. Diabetes makes me even cooler. I'll always have friends."

I walked away. My heart was light.

A day-in-the-life of confidence despite diabetes, perhaps ... dare I say it? ... enhanced by it.

14 comments:

Anonymous said...

I love the way Joe and you handle the daily 24/7 of diabetes. Joe is right about the adult part, I see it all the time with the people that are my clients. High five Joe and Mom. Love you. Mom and Grams

NeurosurgeryNP said...

Love him. Rock on Joe. Yes, you are most definitely cool. :)

NikDuck said...

Oh thank goodness for Joe's awesome attitude! Wow Reyna, I don't know how you kept from going and giving that other boy a piece of your mind!

Amy@Diapeepees said...

I like to look on that side. The enhancement of it all...because it does indeed exist...more than I think people might realize.

Joanne said...

Love his attitude! And for the record, I think he's right!

Kelly said...

He is just so cool inside and out!

Sara said...

If the connections we have formed in the diabetes community are any indication, Joe is right about diabetes bringing him more friends. :)

Stephanie said...

Joe is awesome. Period!

Sarah said...

most definitely he is one cool dude, do or not ;) Love that he has that confidence and ability to share it with you so openly. You guys are a great team!

Jess said...

that joe is one smart kiddo!

p.s.- so glad you're back! i missed you. :)

Kim said...

Joe knows what's up!

Barb Wagstaff said...

Brilliant! You are raising one very smart young man Reyna!!

Sysy said...

LOVE :D

shannon said...

F&CK YEAH!