Today it is 10 years since we found out Tom has type one diabetes.
I have so many different memories from that day and the week following it.
I remember flying in the flying doctors plane with Tom and there was so much turbulence that I thought I might not live through it.
I remember I was 34 weeks pregnant when we arrived in Adelaide and 35 weeks when we flew back to Millicent.
I remember thinking that my little boy was not going to live. It was the scariest thought I had ever had. I remember turning to Mary and saying to her, how did you sit at the side of the cross with Jesus. I remember asking her to pray for me that I would be just as strong at Tom's side as she was at Jesus side.
I remember wondering if God had abandoned me or if I had abandoned him. I thought things like this only happened to people that didn't do what God wanted them to do.
I remember realising many months later just how much God had helped me through a very difficult time and that God was right there suffering with me.
One of the funny things I remember is talking on the phone to Sam. I said to him,
"Tom will need injections every day for the rest of his life".
Sam responded
"Really?"
Then when I was talking with Steve I could hear him telling Daniel in the background, Tom needs injections every day. Daniel laughed and said
"Oh he does not."
Sam said
"you ask mum."
Every year so far, we have acknowledged the anniversary and had something special to eat. Tonight it was pies and herb bread that Tom choose. We also got some chocolate and vanilla milk.
I think when you have something that impacts so drastically on your life, it is good to acknowledge the good things from it.
A disease like diabetes is hard to live with and it can be hard to see the good.
It is good that the boys can check their blood sugar level regularly and we can do something about the high or low sugar reading.
It is good that they have an insulin pump and can eat anything they want to eat.
It is good that there are so many scientists out there looking for a cure and that they believe one will be found within the boys life time.
Most of all, it is good that our family has all been brought closer together because we all need to help the boys and each other in managing their diabetes.
It has been good for me to be involved in a couple of online groups which have other mothers and fathers with type one children that they can support me and help me when I am feeling down about the disease.
So thanks everyone that has supported us and prayed with us through the tough times.