Exactly 1 year ago today I brought my little girl to her pediatrician following a couple fun filled days of picnic to Saratoga National Park one day and some fun swimming time with our very good friends The Sweet Family. I had noticed Lauren was very thirsty and asking to go to the bathroom frequently. Shelly had thank goodness said the same thing. At that point I knew I wasnt being too vigilant. The next day I brought Lauren in to her pediatrician thinking quick check for possible dehydration or UTI. Never ever for a moment did I expect for the doctor to walk in a couple minutes later followed by 2 nurses and another doctor. As my heart started to beat faster I looked at Riley and Lauren and could see they too were wondering why the room just got full. I looked at the doctor and said Does she have a UTI? This had never happened with my girls before so wasnt familiar but didnt it would be that serious. The doctor responded No, there is no infection. Im sorry she has very high sugar levels in her urine. It didnt hit me until I saw the nurse turn around with the glucose meter and get ready to prick her finger. I knew I had to stay calm having Riley and Lauren right there but I felt myself shaking. I said What number are we looking for? The doctor replied Ideally 80-110... thats all I heard because as soon as I saw 410 pop up the tears started to fall and I turned to Riley and Lauren and said everything is going to be ok I just need to talk to the doctor quick. I asked the nurse to please stay with Riley and Lauren for a moment and walked out the door. I believe myself to be a strong woman however as I began to cry so hard all I could get out is Please tell me what is going on with my daughter, is she going to be ok and what do we need to do The doctor replied Your daughter is very sick and needs to be admitted to the hospital right away. With that I quietly dropped to my knees and sobbed for a moment. The doctor said Is there another parent or someone I can call. I said No, she hasnt seen her father in 2 years. Its just me and I need to focus on what to do next I knew I had to get it together and just asked for a brief moment to collect myself. I said I just need to know Is she going to be ok? Of course there was no further information at that time and with that off we went to Albany Medical Center. As the first 3-5 days passed and I saw the courage in my daughter, reality that this is going to be ok, part of our life and would only make us stronger and the determination began. My children became stronger than ever and have amazed me with their support of each other. The last year has brought fear, heartache, an extreme lifestyle change, challenges but love, education, determination and a solid foundation for my children, family, friends and supporters has proved we can conquer anything!!!!!!!! Michael Fahrenkopf, Paulie, Jess Jarvis and Riley you amaze me with your dedication and Lauren Jacqueline you are truly my hero and an inspiration to all. Thank you God for blessing us with strength and courage. To all our supporters and loved ones over the last year Thank You will never be enough. I pray you all know what a difference you have made in our lives. We love you all!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted on: Sun, 29 Jun 2014 00:53:45 +0000