The Day Has Come

August 22nd I woke up to a down pour of rain that promised to continue throughout the day. It was ok because it just went with my mood. The day had arrived to drop Patrick off at school. I thought I would at least hold it together till it was time to leave him, but we never even made it out of our yard before the tears began to fall. Yet Patrick was comforting and I got to ride the whole way out with just him and I, with Mark and Nikki following in the filled van.

The rain was awful and I kept thinking how we are going to unload all of this stuff in this down pour! Have no fear when we arrived to unload his things about 20 students met us at the door and in 1 trip we were able to bring all of his things up to his room.

We quickly got the bed made and things unloaded, than we made the fateful trip to the store for all of the things we forgot or just didn’t think to bring. We stopped for lunch and than brought him back to his dorm.

We met his room mate Chris who was really nice Chris had been there a week because he does soccer, he proceeded to introduce Patrick to more new friends. The college actually had a schedule pretty full of activities for the entire incoming freshman starting with that night.

We finally said our goodbyes (I think he was finally happy to be left alone). Our drive home was filled with more rain, detours that took us out of our way and Nikki getting sick in the back seat. At first I thought she had ketones but none were present and she felt much better afterwards. We got home about 8:00 pm and later that night I received my first Skype call from Patrick telling us he went to the get together and he really thinks he likes it there.

Got to love technology away from home but still connected!

Julie, Mom to Adam 21, Patrick 18 & Nikki 12 All have Type 1 diabets

Visit us at Pump Wear Inc. & Girly Girl Studio

The Camping Experience

Diabetes Camps, Oh the anticipation of going, we had to get there early because she wanted a top bunk, we got there and there were no top bunks so she seemed to accept this as a trooper and proceeded to stake her claim to the bunk of her choice. Of course she chose the one that had the draws in it because a girl has to have a place for her things!

Although Nikki has gone to the Circle of Life Camp for years and has always loved it this year was different, first it was at a new location 3 hours away from where we live. So for me this was a little stressful because I am not use to having her that far away from me, also this was her first year with the big girls (the 13 year olds) and up, and many of the kids that normally went to camp weren’t going to be there. She was also going for a longer period of time.

The new camp is huge with a lot more land and room than before with so many possibilities for many events and programs down the road. Nikki loved that this camp had a built in pool (my girl does not like the sand, dirt or lake). We left her in the care of her New Counselors.

I started writing my bunk notes to her right away, and when we picked her up she declared that she had the most bunk notes ever (well i didn’t plan it that way but i think i ordered more credits than i should have and than had to use them up) so she got bunk notes from everyone and really enjoyed them.

The week in our house was quiet and I truly realized how much I enjoy having her by my side, especially now that our Patrick will be going away to school.

Patrick and I drove out to pick her up and the smile on her face and the friends that she was attached to made me realize that no matter what the cost or the distance having a child attend a diabetes camp is worth the experience and friendships that they will make. These friendships will last a life time. We weren’t even in the door and Nikki got on facebook and her new friends were already friending her. Her other friend was texting her all the way home. So although distance may separate them kindred hearts bring them together and facebook and texting keep them connected. They are already planning a meet up!

The cost of a diabetes camp is considerably more than a week long camp for a child that does not have diabetes, so I always like to mention that although the camps are costly they are worth every penny and there are ways to help ensure that your child has this opportunity. Many organizations such as the elks club, and Rotary Clubs just to mention a few often will donate to help a child go to diabetes camp. Also many of the camps have a process where you can apply for scholarships to the camp. Another option is to do your own fund raiser to help with the cost of camp. I hope that your child has the opportunity to visit one of the many wonderful diabetes camps available.

Till Next Time: Julie mom of Adam 21, Patrick 18 and Nikki 12 All with Type 1

Visit us at Pump Wear Inc. & Girly Girl Studio

Texting & Driving

As parents we all now have something in common when our children start driving, for parents with children who have diabetes it is the worry of a low blood sugar but what about all the “texting” that’s going on? Throw in the distraction of texting and we are faced with one more obstacle to over come. I am all for putting the phone away when driving unless needed, but if your kids are like mine they can virtually text without even looking.

I recently did an interview with Dr. Charles Sophy: Dr. Charles Sophy has dedicated his life to the physical and mental well-being of children and families nationwide. As a psychiatrist specializing in Adult, Child & Adolescent Psychiatry and Family Practice, he currently serves as the Medical Director for the Los Angeles County Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS), the nation’s largest Child Welfare System. He was first asked to provide his medical opinion on national television for PBS in a show called “A Place of Our Own”. After a successful first television appearance, he was invited to provide his expertise on Celebrity Rehab with Dr. Drew Pinsky, Sober House with Dr. Drew, Today Show, Larry King Live, The Rachael Ray Show, Fox News Channel, Good Morning America, CNN Anderson Cooper, Inside Edition, CBS Early Show and Fox News Channel. He is best known for his work with Dr. Drew on Celebrity Rehab and is now a regularly featured expert. For more information,

Watch our video :


visit: http://www.lg.com/us/mobile-phones/text-education/about-text-ed.jsp


Feel Free to share our blog with your friends.

Julie, mom of Adam 21, Patrick 18 and Nikki 12 All suffer from Type 1 Diabetes

Visit us at Pump Wear Inc & Girly Girl Studio