Arden's Day is Six Years Old

Let's celebrate... It's the sixth anniversary of Arden's Day!

At exactly 3 AM on August 16, 2007, I posted my first blog entry on the Internet and "Decided to Share" began my online life as a type I diabetes advocate. I had no idea if anyone would ever read my little blog and there were times that I seriously considered closing Arden's Day because I doubted that I was adding a needed voice to the community. Well, it's six years later and I couldn't be happier that I made the decision to keep blogging, because so much has happened since that overwhelmed and exhausted guy first said these words...

I can’t sleep... Haven’t really been able to for about a year now.  On August 22nd Arden will be a Type I diabetic for one year.  I’m going to try and relay to all of you what Arden’s disease is, how it effects her and how it effects our family.  My goal is to give you a glimpse into our life so that you can better understand Type I diabetes... My hope is that the understanding will result in your advocacy.

Starting now I’ll be updating this site as much as is needed to bring you into all of this as completely as possible.  I’ll be taking pictures and video as much as possible.  I think diabetes is one of those things you need to feel to understand, an explanation just doesn’t do it justice.  It’s a much more visceral experience then you may think. That picture (above) is from just now (3:00 am), Arden just called me from her bed.  She wanted to lay down with us.  I checked her Blood Glucose (from here on out known as BG) and it was good.  Well not really good, high actually about 120 - 150 points higher then a non-diabetics would be at 3 AM but good for our purposes. Don’t worry it’ll all start making sense to you soon...  Please use the “Subscribe” button on the ‘Daddy’s Blog’ page to stay up-to-the-minute.  I really think that being updated every-time something happens will help bring you into the process. Please share this link with any and everyone you know.  Off to get some sleep...

Since that day, I've spoken to Congressmen and Senators, raised funds for the JDRF, written a book and met the most wonderful people. I could probably make a list as long as my arm of amazing things that have happened since I began to blog, but if I had to pick a favorite... it would be easy to choose. I am still, to this day, amazed at how much sharing our story helps others. Honestly, when I began six years ago, I never expected that. Moreover, I'm simply stunned by how powerfully you all return the love. That dynamic is, without a doubt, the most rewarding part of all of this. The relationship that we all have is one of the most uniquely human experiences that I've ever been a part of. Starting Arden's Day in 2007 was, without exaggeration, a life changing moment for me and that feels celebration worthy. Plus, six years is quite an accomplishment for a blog and I'm genuinely very proud to be able to lay claim to six years of diabetes blogging.

You are reading the 568th post that I've written for Arden's Day and the wonderful feeling that comes from sharing with you has not diminished one bit since 2007. It's my pleasure to be able to say that I am, in some small way, a part of something as wonderful as the diabetes online community.

You must be wondering why I am posting about an anniversary eight days before it happens. Easy answer... So you can be ready for what's happening next week. Stuff like...

Lauren's Hope is generously giving away some medical ID swagerrificness in celebration of Arden's Day's sixth anniversary!

Spry Publishing has donated a few copies of my book, Life Is Short, Laundry Is Eternal that I'll be signing and giving away. 

I'll be asking for your thoughts on what your JDRF Walk means to you and your family. A few days later, Arden will randomly select one of your comments and my family will make a $50 donation to your walk efforts.

I'll highlight one of my favorite posts from the past every day next week and reflect on them from today's perspective.

...and an announcement that includes giving away multiple copies of the newest Coco book from the Lilly/Disney collaboration, 'Coco's First Sleepover'.

I'm excited for Monday to arrive and hope that you are too! In the meantime, enjoy your weekend and good luck getting that Flintstones song out of your head! 

New Smaller OmniPods have Arrived!

Arden will put her first one on Monday!

Thoughts and a review as soon as possible.

#Excited

Video: Diabetes Hands Foundation Interview

It was my very sincere honor to be asked by the Diabetes Hands Foundation to participate in a live interview with their very own Emily Coles... We spoke about many type I diabetes issues, I made some bad jokes, Arden even made a couple of cameo appearances... I hope that you have time to check it out.

Suite D

The first installment of my series on helping children with diabetes gain independence through technology is live on Suite D. This six part collection is centered on the process that we use to manage Arden's BGs while she is away from our home at school, sleep overs and other long-term visits.

Suite D is a diabetes blog that is owned and operated by Insulet, the makers of OmniPod. I was compensated for my writing but please know that I was not asked, nor would I ever let this effect my opinions about the OmniPod insulin pump. Arden's Day and the relationship that you and I have together means far more to me than any freelance writing work. You can always trust that I am giving my honest opinions whether you hear my words here or somewhere else. Your safety, my integrity and the sanctity of the diabetes online community are paramount in my mind, always. I hope you enjoy the series!

Small World

Kelly, Arden and Cole went to a movie the other day while I stayed home to write. They were gone just a little over an hour when I received a text from Kelly, she was concerned that Arden's canula had become dislodged. Arden's BG was rocketing in the darkened theater and Kelly thought that I should bring some insulin and a needle.

With two syringes and a vial of Apidra in my pocket, I approached the customer service counter at our local multiplex expecting to find someone who wouldn't understand why I needed to enter the building without buying a ticket. When it was my turn a young lady asked if she could help me and I said, "My daughter is in theater fourteen, her insulin pump isn't working and I'm here to give her an injection". Before I could tell her that I would only be in the building for a few moments she said, "No problem, go right in". I have to admit that I thought her lack of resistance was because she heard some "medical words" and didn't want to get involved.

I texted Arden, she came into the lobby to meet me, we tested and shot right there on the bench. Our entire interaction lasted maybe four minutes.

On my way out I waved to the girl so she would know I was leaving. To my surprise she called to me and asked which pump Arden uses. I told her OmniPod and she responded, "Oh, the one without the tubing... how do you like it?". Now this girl was perhaps nineteen and I could only think of one way that she would know that so I said, "How old were you?".

The lovely CSR told me that she was diagnosed when she was nine and then asked about Arden. "Just after her second birthday", I answered. The girl smiled and said, "She has me beat!".

We exchanged pleasantries before I said, "Small world". Turns out that the pod was delivering insulin just fine though Arden did need the insulin that we injected. I think maybe the entire trip was just the universe's way of letting me meet a happy, polite and thoughtful young girl who has type I diabetes. I smiled all the way to my car.