Jacob Ide, Hamilton Ontario
| At 9 years old my son was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes. My family was shocked and frightened about what the road ahead would bring. We didn’t know anything about diabetes and all of a sudden here we were in a hosptial room learning to give injections to our little boy. Jacob was quiet and didn’t say much the first day, and I was so very worried about how he would ever be able to make it through this complete change in his life. Then, one conversation changed things. His words would give me strength and confidence that no matter how hard the road would be, he would be a Champion and make it through. We were up in the night after a nurse had awakened Jake to check his level and he looked at me and said ” You know Mom everything happens for a reason, and sometimes we don’t know that reason is right away.” I teared up and said ” well maybe one day we will understand better.” He looked at me with his big brown eyes and said” No this is different, I do know the reason, I think I got this because I could be one of the guys who finds the cure!” I never looked at my son with pity again, he had bigger plans for this disease, and he planned on taking it as a challenge! We learn so much from our children and I continue to watch Jake everyday and learn about patience, perseverance, strength, empathy, humour and most of all courage!He is my champion, along with every child fighting this often misunderstood battle. |
