So, I'm putting together a 90th birthday dvd for my mother-in-law, and I got caught up in pictures of my kids as little ones! Boy were they simply adorable and perfect!
They are both still perfect.
Jenna is my beautiful 10 year old, who is bright, funny, conscientious, polite, hard working and has become quite skilled in the art of rolling her eyes at me (LOL!!) She had a spectacular concert tonight at school - both in the band and chorus! Jim and I are so proud!
Jimmy learned how to ride a friend's "spark" scooter yesterday! He got his helmet on without having to be asked!! He loves school, playing outside, and making messes!!
I felt so bad yesterday when he confessed to me that he ate a banana without asking first. I wondered outloud why his blood glucose level was high, and that's when he confessed by showing me the banana peel that he forgot to throw away. Poor kid. Who can give a kid a hard time for eating a piece of fruit for heavens sake??? He felt so badly that he had done something wrong. I felt like such a bad parent for having to tell my kid that he has to ask before having a piece of fruit.
He's been SO great about telling us he's hungry and SO great about testing himself before he eats! But before April 1st, a piece of fruit was NEVER even a question!!!!!
We'll get there. Only one other night have I found him in the closet. It wasn't nearly as bad as the 1st night. I just think he needed some breathing room... Don't we all???...
He fell asleep in my arms tonight. Jim carried him up. He's a good boy. Keep on praying for a cure.
Peace, June
Thursday, April 29, 2010
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
Day 20: April 20, 2010
We met Molly!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
The Molly Diabetes Center in Hackensack is where we will be taking Jimmy for a series of JD classes and who will be monitoring his highs, lows and insulin dosages, etc... "Molly" is a beautiful woman, who at 11 years old was diagnosed with Juvenile Diabetes. She wasn't invited to play dates, birthday parties etc... She couldn't have a cookie if she wanted to, and had to sneak sweets. Her and her family had NO formal support through her first years with JD, so from what I understand, her father developed the "Molly Center" to help families so that they could always have the support they NEED... Molly now has 3 children, and is quite a special individual. She was so open and caring and straightforward with the kids, and I think SO important especially for the 2 girls who were there - ages 10 and 11 (with whom Jenna got along so well!) Jimmy of course was in his own little world making shadow puppets in the way of the screen for the slide show (good luck to his kindergarten teacher in the fall...) But I sure did appreciate her! It felt like I had known her forever - I think she might be an angel on earth.
So, our first meeting was last night, and Jimmy met another boy his age who was diagnosed 3 days before him. They're both 5 and starting Kindergarten in September. They're both BIG boys who always get confused with being older, and get this - his parents are both in education (just like Jim and me!) They live close - 2 towns away, so hopefully it's a connection we can build on.
As we were getting ready for the class to begin, I was all set for a serious instruction session... Well, Molly walked in and introduced herself by saying, "Hi, I'm Molly" with a beautiful smile. Just like that, "Hi, I'm Molly." Well... remember what happened at church? There came the waterworks again! You would have thought I would be carrying around tissues after that, but of course I forgot... I thought this was going to be JUST a learning experience, I didn't expect it to be a life transforming! My sister came so she could be informed and help with Jimmy, and again, it was Julie to the rescue with tissues . I'm so lucky to have Julie who is always there for me and so many others!
I felt like Molly's message was that it's ok, you can do this, I'm here for you, reach out, he will grow up and have children and lead a productive life, and the JD will not define him. Thank God for Molly, a real angel!
Peace,
June
The Molly Diabetes Center in Hackensack is where we will be taking Jimmy for a series of JD classes and who will be monitoring his highs, lows and insulin dosages, etc... "Molly" is a beautiful woman, who at 11 years old was diagnosed with Juvenile Diabetes. She wasn't invited to play dates, birthday parties etc... She couldn't have a cookie if she wanted to, and had to sneak sweets. Her and her family had NO formal support through her first years with JD, so from what I understand, her father developed the "Molly Center" to help families so that they could always have the support they NEED... Molly now has 3 children, and is quite a special individual. She was so open and caring and straightforward with the kids, and I think SO important especially for the 2 girls who were there - ages 10 and 11 (with whom Jenna got along so well!) Jimmy of course was in his own little world making shadow puppets in the way of the screen for the slide show (good luck to his kindergarten teacher in the fall...) But I sure did appreciate her! It felt like I had known her forever - I think she might be an angel on earth.
So, our first meeting was last night, and Jimmy met another boy his age who was diagnosed 3 days before him. They're both 5 and starting Kindergarten in September. They're both BIG boys who always get confused with being older, and get this - his parents are both in education (just like Jim and me!) They live close - 2 towns away, so hopefully it's a connection we can build on.
As we were getting ready for the class to begin, I was all set for a serious instruction session... Well, Molly walked in and introduced herself by saying, "Hi, I'm Molly" with a beautiful smile. Just like that, "Hi, I'm Molly." Well... remember what happened at church? There came the waterworks again! You would have thought I would be carrying around tissues after that, but of course I forgot... I thought this was going to be JUST a learning experience, I didn't expect it to be a life transforming! My sister came so she could be informed and help with Jimmy, and again, it was Julie to the rescue with tissues . I'm so lucky to have Julie who is always there for me and so many others!
I felt like Molly's message was that it's ok, you can do this, I'm here for you, reach out, he will grow up and have children and lead a productive life, and the JD will not define him. Thank God for Molly, a real angel!
Peace,
June
Sunday, April 18, 2010
Day 18: April 18, 2010
My husband, Jim, is the pitching/catching coach for a Varsity HS baseball team. When his team heard about Jimmy having been diagnosed with Juvenile Diabetes, they touched our hearts. They all signed a ball for Jimmy (which he proudly has displayed in a clear case from a friend) and gave him a team hat! At a home game, they let him sit on the dugout with them on the bench - and gave him "knuckles" as they ran off the feild to celebrate their WIN! The team further touch our hearts when a player set up the following fundraiser:
INNINGS IN RELIEF
PARK RIDGE HS BASEBALL is proud to introduce “INNINGS IN RELIEF”. It is our way of helping bring awareness to juvenile diabetes and to raise funds to help find a cure, by playing baseball!
As a sponsor of INNINGS IN RELIEF, you are asked to pledge a minimum of 10 cents for every inning that PARK RIDGE VARSITY BASEBALL holds it opponents scoreless, or if you prefer you can give a onetime donation now. To keep track, you can follow our team on the sports page or watch us in person. At the end of the season you will be contacted with the total scoreless innings and the amount of your donation. Last year PARK RIDGE VARSITY BASEBALL recorded 152 scoreless innings en route to our Group 1 State Championship. LET’S TOP THAT NUMBER!!
All money raised will be donated to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF.org), a 501c3 charitable organization in the name of Jimmy Karpowich, son of Park Ridge HS Pitching Coach Jim Karpowich. Jimmy was recently diagnosed with juvenile diabetes and we would to like help fund research to find a cure for juvenile diabetes.
PARK RIDGE HS BASEBALL is counting on your generous support for this endeavor. Please fill out the form below and return it to any PARK RIDGE BASEBALL player. For more information please contact InningsInRelief@yahoo.com, or www.JDRF.org Donations may also be mailed to PRHS, 2 Park Avenue, Park Ridge, NJ 07656 ATTN: Athletic Dept
INNINGS IN RELIEF
PARK RIDGE HS BASEBALL is proud to introduce “INNINGS IN RELIEF”. It is our way of helping bring awareness to juvenile diabetes and to raise funds to help find a cure, by playing baseball!
As a sponsor of INNINGS IN RELIEF, you are asked to pledge a minimum of 10 cents for every inning that PARK RIDGE VARSITY BASEBALL holds it opponents scoreless, or if you prefer you can give a onetime donation now. To keep track, you can follow our team on the sports page or watch us in person. At the end of the season you will be contacted with the total scoreless innings and the amount of your donation. Last year PARK RIDGE VARSITY BASEBALL recorded 152 scoreless innings en route to our Group 1 State Championship. LET’S TOP THAT NUMBER!!
All money raised will be donated to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF.org), a 501c3 charitable organization in the name of Jimmy Karpowich, son of Park Ridge HS Pitching Coach Jim Karpowich. Jimmy was recently diagnosed with juvenile diabetes and we would to like help fund research to find a cure for juvenile diabetes.
PARK RIDGE HS BASEBALL is counting on your generous support for this endeavor. Please fill out the form below and return it to any PARK RIDGE BASEBALL player. For more information please contact InningsInRelief@yahoo.com, or www.JDRF.org Donations may also be mailed to PRHS, 2 Park Avenue, Park Ridge, NJ 07656 ATTN: Athletic Dept
Imagine the tears when Jim handed this form to me - This team, and the player who dreamed it up will always have a place in my heart! Thank you doesn't cover it - we're honored!
Peace,
June
Day 17: April 17, 2010
We're hanging in there with Jimmy. Jenna is a huge help, and Jules has been so good to her - took her to the movies, brought down hand-me-downs (Jenna's favorite kind of clothes are Jules' old ones!) What a thing for these 2 girls to have in common. Both of their brothers have JD now... Jules really knows what Jenna is going through. I've already told Jenna to scream loudly to get my attention if she's feeling forgotten... I just got off the phone with the Molly Diabetes Center at Hackensack. They're adjusting his insulin to see if we can get rid of his "high trends." I sat there last night and just listened to him breathe because his blood glucose level was in the 500's (target is 150.) He's good today, but that's what the Molly Center is helping me with... We have to keep him back in the desired range. Jim and I will get a handle on this - Missy and Joe AND Joey have been awesome. I feel like I have my very own "cheat sheet" up my sleeve with them right up the street and with Joey via facebook & cell when he's at school! Jimmy really loves and adores Joey - he's been so great for him...
Peace, June
Peace, June
Day 16: April 16, 2010
A note to relatives...
On another note, (rather be telling you this in person, or at least on the phone), Jimmy (jr.) was diagnosed with Juvenile Diabetes on April 1st. We stayed in the hospital until the 3rd - we were home for Easter, so that was good. He's handling it, we're hanging in there. With Joey having it, and my uncle having had it, they figure the family history played a factor. He was so thirsty, a bit tired, and "going" every 2 hours at night (when he had NEVER gotten up to go before.)
So, when I brought him to the dr. to get him checked out on the 1st, they shipped me right over to the pediatric E.R. in Hackensack. They took such good care of him and us. We're getting the hang of it - he has his ups and downs (literally.) Jenna has been so good - helps with his blood monitoring and helps get the injections ready. She's such a big help. He's taking about 5 shots a day - might change as we get it regulated and they can put him on a "pump" which is evidently much better. Time will tell.I'm sure we'll talk soon - say a quick prayer for a cure if you get a chance!!! Hope you are all well and enjoying this spring weather!!!
Peace,
June
On another note, (rather be telling you this in person, or at least on the phone), Jimmy (jr.) was diagnosed with Juvenile Diabetes on April 1st. We stayed in the hospital until the 3rd - we were home for Easter, so that was good. He's handling it, we're hanging in there. With Joey having it, and my uncle having had it, they figure the family history played a factor. He was so thirsty, a bit tired, and "going" every 2 hours at night (when he had NEVER gotten up to go before.)
So, when I brought him to the dr. to get him checked out on the 1st, they shipped me right over to the pediatric E.R. in Hackensack. They took such good care of him and us. We're getting the hang of it - he has his ups and downs (literally.) Jenna has been so good - helps with his blood monitoring and helps get the injections ready. She's such a big help. He's taking about 5 shots a day - might change as we get it regulated and they can put him on a "pump" which is evidently much better. Time will tell.I'm sure we'll talk soon - say a quick prayer for a cure if you get a chance!!! Hope you are all well and enjoying this spring weather!!!
Peace,
June
Day 14: April 14, 2010
Now Jimmy says he won't wear the medic alert id bracelet. I was showing it to him on the website (it's cute - a band with sports stuff on it) when he went running away from the computer yelling that he won't wear it. I backed off, but I have to order it... I asked my nephew (with JD) if he would give it to him - coming from him it might be better accepted...
Peace,
June
Peace,
June
Day 12: April 12, 2010
I had dinner with Jimmy in my dark closet tonight. Good thing it was dark, so he couldn't see my tears. We thought he was ok with all of this... We were about to have dinner, so we did the usual - checked his blood glucose level - turns out he was high (in the 400's - and his target it 150).
All of a sudden, he bolted from the dinner table and we couldn't find him. We looked in the usual places to no avail. Getting worried that something was terribly wrong... Just about to call neighbors to see if he looked for retreat there, when he gave himself up - he was in the back of my closet. He's not ok. He's scared. He doesn't want shots. He doesn't want diabetes. My heart is broken.
We thought he was ok... He was even letting his big sister, Jenna, take his blood glucose level, and letting us give him his shot in his leg (though he prefers the arms.) We really thought that he was a resiliant kid and that he was ok. It was all I could do not to openly sob in the closet with him. Jim and I took turns "making it all ok" in the dark with him. We shared dinner and stories, and vowed to have dinner every Monday night with him in the dark closet if he wants - whatever it takes.
What do I do? We have an appt. at the "Molly Center" on the 19th. The Molly center is where we go for all the Juvenile Diabetes appointments at HUMC. Of course we'll ask them, and join a support group, etc, but how do I help my baby in the meantime???
He's such a good boy - he's adjusted to asking before he eats anything - even ran home from next door to ask if he could have a "sugar free" ice pop!!! He's been so good with this!!! I thought it was just Jim and me with the issues... I was wrong.
He's sound asleep now in my bed. He looks so sweet with his blue baby blanket, "bluey" intertwined in his grip. Please pray for a cure for Juvenile Diabetes.
Peace,
June
All of a sudden, he bolted from the dinner table and we couldn't find him. We looked in the usual places to no avail. Getting worried that something was terribly wrong... Just about to call neighbors to see if he looked for retreat there, when he gave himself up - he was in the back of my closet. He's not ok. He's scared. He doesn't want shots. He doesn't want diabetes. My heart is broken.
We thought he was ok... He was even letting his big sister, Jenna, take his blood glucose level, and letting us give him his shot in his leg (though he prefers the arms.) We really thought that he was a resiliant kid and that he was ok. It was all I could do not to openly sob in the closet with him. Jim and I took turns "making it all ok" in the dark with him. We shared dinner and stories, and vowed to have dinner every Monday night with him in the dark closet if he wants - whatever it takes.
What do I do? We have an appt. at the "Molly Center" on the 19th. The Molly center is where we go for all the Juvenile Diabetes appointments at HUMC. Of course we'll ask them, and join a support group, etc, but how do I help my baby in the meantime???
He's such a good boy - he's adjusted to asking before he eats anything - even ran home from next door to ask if he could have a "sugar free" ice pop!!! He's been so good with this!!! I thought it was just Jim and me with the issues... I was wrong.
He's sound asleep now in my bed. He looks so sweet with his blue baby blanket, "bluey" intertwined in his grip. Please pray for a cure for Juvenile Diabetes.
Peace,
June
Day 6: April 6, 2010
My son just sold me a $7 cup of (crystal lite) iced tea at his indoor lemonade stand. And the napkin was $2!!! lol I guess he knows that this diagnosis comes with him getting anything he wants for a while!!!
We're home, we're learning. It's for life, but it's treatable. Hopefully, he grows up not knowing any other way. He already makes jokes when we tell him that it's time to test his blood. In his cute raspy little boy voice he jokes with a big smile, "Pick a finger, Any finger!" or "Pull my finger!" Such a boy, huh?
Peace,
June
We're home, we're learning. It's for life, but it's treatable. Hopefully, he grows up not knowing any other way. He already makes jokes when we tell him that it's time to test his blood. In his cute raspy little boy voice he jokes with a big smile, "Pick a finger, Any finger!" or "Pull my finger!" Such a boy, huh?
Peace,
June
Day 4: April 4, 2010
It was an interesting Easter. Fr. Mike told us to leave whatever we were carrying up on the alter and let God give us a new beginning. Boy did I leave a lot up there!!! I just started sobbing! My pocketbook was filled with insulin, testers, glucogon, low carb snacks, etc... but I didn't have a tissue!!! A friend's husband handed me his hankercheif!!! It was quite a scene - it came out of nowhere... The people around me in the pews must have thought I was crazy...
So anyway, I now know why I fell and broke my nose in the fall. Prior to the fall, I had a ridiculous, but real, needle phobia. Seeing the 10 numbing needles go into my nose for the stitches and to reset it cured me of the phobia. I can give him his shots, with REAL needle, without a problem! I'm better at it than my husband! Everything happens for a reason I guess...
Thanks for reading my rambling... Help me with a distraction - what's happening with all of you?
Peace,
June
So anyway, I now know why I fell and broke my nose in the fall. Prior to the fall, I had a ridiculous, but real, needle phobia. Seeing the 10 numbing needles go into my nose for the stitches and to reset it cured me of the phobia. I can give him his shots, with REAL needle, without a problem! I'm better at it than my husband! Everything happens for a reason I guess...
Thanks for reading my rambling... Help me with a distraction - what's happening with all of you?
Peace,
June
Day 3: April 3, 2010
Home from the hospital. Tomorrow is easter. Wonder what the bunny will bring??? Jimmy is handling it amazingly. Screamed about the needles on day 1, "took it like a man" as my husband puts it, on day 2, and now, he's picking his finger for prick, and choosing a site for the insulin!
It was so hard to see him so small in his hospital bed. We're home tonight, and looking forward to Easter mass and family tomorrow. Wish me luck with the sweets all day tomorrow!
It was so hard to see him so small in his hospital bed. We're home tonight, and looking forward to Easter mass and family tomorrow. Wish me luck with the sweets all day tomorrow!
Day 1: April 1, 2010
Hi,
I'm at humc w/ my son, Jimmy. He was diagnosed w/ juvenile diabetes today (hard to say still, let alone put in print).
He'll be fine - it's treatable - just pray that our transition in this crappy hand that was dealt will be as smooth as it can be. (sorry for the language!)
He hates blood and needles - It's breaking my heart to see him cry. Luckily I was cured of my needle phobia when I had the 10 needles of pain killer in my nose when I broke it this fall!- so I'll be fine with the needles (even gave him his first finger prick and assisted w/ the first insulin injection.)
Anyone have experience w/ this? Just wanted back up - we have a nephew w/ it - he was so awesome to drive up from college early today to spend time with "Slim" as he calls him. They were comparing their jd "tools" as jimmy calls it.
I'm so used to it being me w/ the injury or illness. I'd prefer it that way - Now it's my baby. He looks so little in the hospital bed. I can't kiss this and make it better - can I?
We're sleeping here tonight and tomorrow night. Lot's of education tomorrow and tons of monitoring his levels. We'll be home Sat. afternoon or evening.
I'll keep you updated.
love you,
Peace,
June
I'm at humc w/ my son, Jimmy. He was diagnosed w/ juvenile diabetes today (hard to say still, let alone put in print).
He'll be fine - it's treatable - just pray that our transition in this crappy hand that was dealt will be as smooth as it can be. (sorry for the language!)
He hates blood and needles - It's breaking my heart to see him cry. Luckily I was cured of my needle phobia when I had the 10 needles of pain killer in my nose when I broke it this fall!- so I'll be fine with the needles (even gave him his first finger prick and assisted w/ the first insulin injection.)
Anyone have experience w/ this? Just wanted back up - we have a nephew w/ it - he was so awesome to drive up from college early today to spend time with "Slim" as he calls him. They were comparing their jd "tools" as jimmy calls it.
I'm so used to it being me w/ the injury or illness. I'd prefer it that way - Now it's my baby. He looks so little in the hospital bed. I can't kiss this and make it better - can I?
We're sleeping here tonight and tomorrow night. Lot's of education tomorrow and tons of monitoring his levels. We'll be home Sat. afternoon or evening.
I'll keep you updated.
love you,
Peace,
June
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