Kids First, Diabetes Second

I have had the pleasure of getting to know some wonderful people due to diabetes. Technology today makes it so easy to connect, email, skype, text, keep in touch and get to know people from all across the world. One person that I have enjoyed getting to know is, Leighann Calentine. Her daughter, Q is close to Caylin’s age and also has Type 1 Diabetes. Leighann has a wonderful, informative and very insightful blog called, “D-Mom Blog – The sweet life with a diabetic child.” I can’t recommend her blog enough if you are a family going through Type 1 Diabetes or if you know someone who is. Leighann’s blog is full of awesome information and first-hand experience as her and her family travel through life dealing with Type 1. Leighann reviews products, shares her experiences and her sweet daughter even shows you that diabetes won’t stop you from living a full, healthy and happy life! I’m happy to say that Q and my daughter are actually pen pals! :)

Well, this past Summer Leighann had her first book published called, “Kids First, Diabetes Second.” Leighann sweetly sent me a copy of her book. Her sweet package made me smile … and cry. Inside the front cover of the book her and her daughter both signed the book it really touched me. I guess being a Mom with a daughter with Type 1 we have a certain bond and connection that we both can relate to.

Leighann’s book was so wonderful. It was such an easy read. It was also very informative and I actually learned quite a bit and I’ve been on this Type 1 diabetes journey with my daughter for a year and a half now. My heart sank as I read her daughter’s diagnosis story at the beginning of the book. I was taken back to the day Caylin was diagnosed and it just hit so close to home to me. You just NEVER forget that day or those emotions.

One of the things I loved about the book was that Leighann just laid it all out there so simply. It’s easy to understand and you could implement things right now to help your loved one dealing with diabetes. It’s full of helpful ways to manage your loved one’s diabetes. There’s no reason why your child can’t go on and live a long, healthy and happy life doing whatever it is that they’d like to do. I think it’s that helpful, positive tone of the book that I appreciated the most. It was encouraging and it was nice to read from another Mom who has “been there-done that” and has found some useful tips for us other parents. Sure, we all have to travel on this journey the best way we see fit for our child, but I love how Leighann SHARES what she knows. I think it’s that education and that sharing of information that really comforts those who are going through it all. We know others are with us, have experienced what we are going through and can relate. We truly are NOT alone.

I loved the book so much that currently I am working with a sweet nurse at Caylin’s endocrinologist’s office to try to get Leighann’s book in the hands of EVERY newly diagnosed family in this area. I think it’s important and that it would be of great value to these families.  It would be AWESOME and believe me – I’m working on it. ;) So far I’ve gotten it into the hospital library to be checked out, but I’m going to keep going! I want to do more to help others! I think it would be so very helpful. I wish I had a copy of it on that scary day a year and a half ago. I have some things planned so stay tuned. ;)

So thank you, Leighann for writing such a wonderful book and sharing what you have learned. It has been invaluable to me.

Caylin is WAY more than just a diabetic child.  She is an AWESOME child who just so happens to have diabetes. That won’t stop her or any other child with type 1. Nope. They are kids first for sure. Super, awesome, wonderful kids.

• You can find out more about Leighann’s book, “Kids First, Diabetes Second” HERE.