Left, Left, Left, Right, Left.
Scott Benner
Arden's right hand knows a secret that her left hand doesn't, but it wants to tell...
I know that there are days when you worry about your child's ability to adapt and grow with type I diabetes - I worry too. That's why I loved it when Arden came to me recently for help becasue she couldn't figure out how to test the fingers on her right hand. Arden is right-handed and the other day she came to me and said that she knows she needs to vary the fingers that she uses for testing more frequently. The problem with that... she can't seem to hold the lance properly with her left hand.
This was maybe some of the best news that I heard all summer, here's why. First, it means that she really does hear the conversations about site rotation and she understands them. Second, she hit a speed bump and wasn't afraid, embarrassed or nervous to ask for help. Last of course, she is taking ownership of her diabetes, slowly, as she is prepared to do so. Diabetes on her terms, I love it!
The rest of the tale isn't as story book. I too wasn't able to hold the lance properly left-handed and after two tries she, a bit annoyed, took it from me and then proceeded to similarly fail at the task. So while the core issue was left unresolved, all that the issue shed light on is now out in the open and cause for celebration. That celebration only resides however, in my head and on this blog, two places where Arden doesn't have access. I did tell her that I was proud that she was thinking about rotating and we spoke for a few minutes about the fact that it would take some practice to use her left hand for the task, but I didn't make a big deal about it, not to her. I am however, celebrating in my head. This was a great moment and a clear sign of maturity and understanding.