Sara has acheived many goals this year she never dreamed possible. She has broken several age group team records, she went undefeated in the regular Y season, several firsts in local championships, top five in regional and the Five State Y Zone Championships and qualified for National Y Long Course Championships in two events. Not bad for an illness treated as a determent to attempting new and challenging endeavors. That is the point of this long letter. Do not stop.
Goals are achievable by diabetic kids if they are motivated and committed.
They must work harder and accept days when things go very wrong, but the days things go well are worth the effort. I know that Sara feels more satisfaction than team mates who do not need to overcome a stumbling block to acheive a goal. Do not sit at home not trying. You will be surprised at the support from singularly intellegent adults who will encourage the diabetic child. Mostly, the support from team mates is amazing when you treat your illness as just a part of you, neither good or bad, not an excuse, just an extra hurdle, higher than some, not as tough as many.