Humanity in it's best form...

Many would beg to differ when I say my son is fortunate.  He has had quite a few series of unfortunate events.  Shortly after birth it was determined he had GERD that raged for years.  When he was two he fell out of a chair (I was literally right beside him) and broke his arm to the extent he had to have pins placed in it.  At age seven he was diagnosed with an ASD (Atrial Septal Defect also known as a hole in the heart).  Eight months later, another surgery to remove his tonsils.  And more recently, seven months ago a Type 1 Diabetes diagnosis.

I am very careful to use the word "lucky".  I don't believe in luck.  I believe in fortune, God's grace and mercy.  So why do I say he is so fortunate?  Because he has one of the best support systems one could ask for.  Let me explain the divine intervention here...

My son is in his fifth year (4th grade) of elementary school.  Many students in this small, rural community have shared many classes together.  My son has had the privilege of being in class for the first time this year with another T1.  They have been together at school for five years but only this year, have they had the same teacher.  My initial fear was that when my son came back for the first time after being diagnosed, the other students would think that Diabetes could be "caught."  I couldn't have been more wrong, the students made cards of support and gave many well wishes. These two boys have been able to share their last year of elementary school together, going to the nurse together, checking blood sugars together....they know they are not alone.  Their guidance counselor has formed a support group for them as well (there is another T1 in another grade level).

This week is Diabetes Awareness week at school.  The children can bring in a dollar and buy a JDRF sneaker and place it next to their classroom.  The classroom with the most at the end of the week will receive special recognition.  I thought to myself maybe they will raise $200 if half of the school participates. WELL....as we are coming home from school yesterday he tells me that they raised $106 and that ONE of his classmates brought in $50 AND the remainder was from his class alone.  I couldn't speak, I couldn't even try to smile.  He says "Mom?  Are you getting emotional?"  All I could do was nod and wait for the rush to leave. THEN, today as I'm walking in the hallways volunteering, I am admiring (truly) all the sneakers and I notice another classmate's name over and over again.  I find out that this little girl brought in her entire piggy bank and emptied it of $63.  I feel like I cannot shout loud enough to tell the world of the goodness these kids are doing.  All the while, tears are flowing, my heart smiles and a sense of comfort falls over me knowing his friends are so supportive.  These are the children he will grow up with, who will be there during the highs and lows.  So I can say WE are fortunate, blessed and surrounded by grace.  My sneakers runneth over.....