Mourning

When I hear the news that the world has lost another child to type one diabetes, I'm always pulled out of my reality for a moment. My ears only hear audible static (not a gentle white noise), my chest tightens, and my throat goes dry. All within five seconds. The only way I've learned to let sensations pass, is to let the tears come.

I don't cry because my child may one day face the same destiny. Though there isn't a day that I don't have to 'consciously' push that thought from my mind, knowing how grateful I am for the time I have with her, with them both.

I cry because I know that family's journey. I know, without even knowing them, how hard they fought for their child's health and well-being.

I cry because that child deserved so much better than anything type one diabetes had to offer.

I cry for the hole that child's passing has ripped through their family, community... who knows how far that one child's life could have reached.

Peace be with you, child unknown to me. There will be no more fingerpokes, no more balancing carbohydrates and insulin. May you know a level of peace in Heaven, that you may not have known on earth.

And may you know, that somewhere in this world, a woman mourns for you, without ever having met you. THAT'S how special you were. I wish you peace.