I Have What?

I am really, really, really sorry that I haven't had the chance to tell most of you this news face-to-face or even on the phone. Please know that I would have loved to have done that with each of you, my dear friends and family.

On Friday I learned that I have diabetes. I'm not sure if diabetes is capitalized... hm... For now, we won't capitalize. :) Anyway, the doctor found that my blood sugar levels were extremely high during a routine check up, and since then I've been in a medical whirlwind. I missed school Friday, Monday, and I'll miss again tomorrow for several hospital appointments and an all day diabetes management class.

Yesterday I met with a nurse and got my blood sugar reader. I have to prick myself three times a day and keep a log of my levels. I also have to change my diet, which has been harder than I thought it would be. I want to eat everything I can't, which is probably due simply to the fact that I'm not allowed. :) While I was diagnosed as having type II diabetes, I don't fall into the category that describes most people with type II (elderly, obese, family history, no exercise, horrible diet), so I have to get more blood work tomorrow, my 7th, 8th, and 9th vial in two weeks. Yuck! I hope to regulate this with diet and exercise and Reliv, but for now I'm taking the medication my doctor prescribed as well.

Anyway, I was kind of a mess on Friday, but I'm doing better now. Going to Jim and Courtney's wedding up in the mountains definitely helped me get my mind off of it. I told my students today without any tears. I had a handout that explained the basics about diabetes and I showed them what I had to do to check my blood sugar (without sticking myself in front of them, of course). They had lots of questions ("What if you accidentally shoot yourself in the eye?") and then we prayed together. Their prayers were so sweet and genuine. THAT'S when I got teary-eyed.


On my way out of the hospital yesterday, I was greeted by a love note, flowers, and a snack from my husband. When I pulled up to pay for parking, the lady taking the money commented about how beautiful the flowers were. I told her they were from my husband who dropped them off while I was in my appointment, and SHE started to cry!


This morning when I got to school, one of my students gave me a gift. She hand-sewed this sweet pillow and hand-drew the card (ironically, a picture of some scrumptious cake). It reads,
Dear Mrs. Parker,
We all have to go through bad times. I think you are beautiful, strong, and brave. Romans 8:28 says, "And we all know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose." I'm so glad that you are my teacher! You always bring a smile to everybody's face! Just remember to keep remembering God and praising Him in everything you do. I'm praying for you!
Love,
Rachel

Did I cry? Um, YES! The poor girl probably felt so awkward, but I was so touched by her generosity.
I love my life.