Diabetes Camp - Year #2

Yes, it's that time of year again!
Drum roll please......

Diabetes Camp! 

This is year number two for Grace. You can read about year numero uno here, and the pick up from camp here and her interview about camp here.

And it is now what it must be like from now on when we drive her to camp,
meeting up with old friends,
seeing the same counselors,
hugging those who you missed all year long,
remembering where things were and are in the camp.

This feeling must be wonderful for her. To be remembered. To be part of something larger than yourself. To finally feel like you are in your second home.

I see it on her face even as we walk up the path to check-in. Her feet are lighter. She is smiling and joyous.

We meet up with her DBFF (that's 'Diabetes Best Friend Forever' in case you were wondering) Lily. Yes, famous Lily from our meet-ups and JDRF Walk where we surprised her. Finally, a whole week with each other. It's heaven to both of them.

We check in. We hand over all her diabetes supplies. I complete forms about her basal rates, her I:C ratios, I tell them about -30% for swimming, I tell them that yes, she can carb count with the best of them. 

I hand it all over.

And we get her settled into her bunk. And immediately she is at home.

The goodbyes this year are short and sweet. I tell her to have fun. I tell her to make new friends and remember to include all the new kids in your bunk, who may be here for the first time. I tell her to get the addresses and phone numbers of all the girls so she can write to them throughout the year.

And I kiss her and hug her and tell her, only once, how much I am going to miss her this week.

And I leave her to her second home.