D'straction

It distracts him multiple times a day.  Prior to eating a blood glucose is checked, carbs are counted, insulin is dispensed.

It distracts him nightly, as he hopes to wake the next morning.

It distracts him when he needs to sip juice, as he sleeps.

It distracts him when he gets left behind because he needs to do a check, change a pump site, or consume sugar.

It distracts him when he wants to be active.  It must be taken into consideration every time he plans to exert himself physically.  It must be cared for, or his ability to participate could be hindered by a low.

It distracts him every few days, as he needs to load his pump, prep his skin, and pierce his body to place a new site.

Does he complain about this "distraction"?  Rarely.  Does he feel sorry for himself?  Never.

So, I guess it should not have surprised me; his reaction.

A few weeks ago, a couple of friends approached me.  Their children, classmates of Joe's, had said a teacher stated...in front of Joe and his peers...'Joe, your diabetes is a distraction to the class.'  This was during a period of incessant lows, a period of sleepless nights, a period of frequent pump adjustments...and a period of  'I just don't have it in me to be "that family" in dealing with the school system right now.'  I asked my friends to let the principal know about the event. 

I then discussed the issue with Joe.

He confirmed this indeed had happened.  He didn't give it much thought.  He was not bothered by it in the least.  His response....'the teacher is right...it is a distraction.'

Who would know any better the distractions this demanding, unrelenting disease causes on an hour-to-hour, day-to-day basis...than Joe?

Hoping ... just like for everything else that is "atypical" in our society...that respect, acceptance, and empathy are demonstrated for the day-in-the-life.