Hot Topic Diabetes and Adoption

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Name: Rachel

Age: 26

Type of Diabetes: Type 1

Date of Diagnosis:3/24/2006

Current Treatment: Insulin Pump w/Symlin

Occupation: Part-time College Composition Teacher; Part-time Nanny: Kids' ProgramDirector (Church)

State: Illinois

Country: USA

Email: adoptionblog@diabetessisters.org

 

07 Jan

The Glorious Conclusion (Rachel G)

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January 6, 2009

Dear Readers,

 

I’ve been gone from Diabetes Sisters for quite some time because…

I am happy to announce that in November we got “the call.” We were painting our kitchen when the phone rang. We were chosen to parent a baby girl born that morning.

Due to the legal process of the adoption, I cannot publicly post my daughter’s name or anything other identifying information. What I can tell you is that she is African American with two inches of curly black hair and large dark brown eyes. We lovingly call her our Cocoa Bean. She loves bath time, watching her mobile, and staring into our eyes. She is healthy and growing “like a weed.” The best part is that she is now smiling at us in recognition.

These past few months have been a whirlwind of activity! I’m taking some time away from my jobs as a teacher and nanny to bond with my daughter and work on my freelance writing career.


Just in case you are wondering, my diabetes is doing ok. I’ve managed to still workout almost every morning, cook healthy meals, and monitor my sugars. My husband does half the night feedings, so I’ve also been getting enough sleep. I have an endo appointment next week. Those always make me nervous! I try so hard to be a “good” patient. I hope my work pays off. (Fingers crossed! Knock on wood! Lots of prayers!)

 

I’m blessed beyond belief. I am a woman of faith, and I strongly believe God knew what He was doing when he orchestrated our adoption path.

Thank you to all of you for your readership. If you ever have any questions, do not hesitate to contact me.

Virtual hugs, Rachel

 

 

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28 Apr

Oh The Questions! (Rachel G)

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You have probably faced scrutiny, discrimination, and flat-out rudeness in your journey with diabetes. Whether someone questioned a food you were eating, your exercise regime, your genetic background, or your weight, you have no doubt at one time or another felt that diabetes was a curse that gave people permission to comment on your life and the way you manage and cope with your disease. These comments are often insulting, degrading, and disheartening.

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12 Apr

Preparation:From Diabetes to Adoption (Rachel G)

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The day I was told of my diabetes diagnosis was the day I was sure my life was over. Not literally. I thought, as many do, that diabetes meant no more sugar, ever. No homemade parfaits, no cheese fries, no chips at the Mexican restaurant. I figured I would spend the rest of my days eating lettuce and chicken. (Thankfully I was wrong, and thank God for the invention of the insulin pump).

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21 Apr

To Be Balanced (Rachel G)

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I thought adopting a baby might take my focus off my disease and onto greener pastures. Now, I don’t want to imply that I am choosing adoption in order to pretend I don’t have diabetes or in order to ignore my physical health. Never. But, I feel like a life consumed by diabetes is a stage I’m moving out of. I’m ready to move forward.

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05 Apr

The Big D: My Scarlet Letter (Rachel G)

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As a Composition teacher at a university, I know all about evaluation. It’s part of my job---grading stacks of essays---some good, some not.

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