10 Years Ago Today-Part 4

After all the lessons and getting Ethan's blood sugar under control, it was time to leave the hospital and try what we learned in the real world. The only problem was, Mark and I were not ready to go. It was like leaving the hospital with a new born baby for the first time all over again. What if? and How do we? and Will he? were just a few of the questions which filled our timid minds. We didn't get a mile from the hospital when Ethan bellowed out, "I'm hungry!" He wanted a corn dog. Great! Just great! That meant giving him insulin and than what if... and...the questions resurfaced all over again. We gave in, since starving him wouldn't end up any better, and he happily chowed down on a corn dog and french fries. Our timidness behavior stayed with us for some time. In fact, I'm not sure when we started feeling "at home." However, one thing I do know, is since the day we walked out of the hospital Ethan's life has never been the same.

Checking blood sugars five to seven times a day is an interruption in any kids life. Seriously? What child would want to stop playing hide and seek or be last out the door to go sledding because they have to check their blood sugar? Then,if his blood sugars aren't "good", they can keep him from doing things he wants to do. Both high and low blood sugars have kept Ethan from playing football,the love of his life, more than once. Erratic blood sugars have also kept him from getting to go places his big brother got to go. Sick days? Being sick with diabetes is a lot more complicated with lots of extra pricks and pokes. Not to mention when his asthma flares up and he's put on Prednisone, a steroid for swelling and inflammation. It causes blood sugars to go through the roof! I kid you not, there was a time I had to give Ethan 10+ shots in a period of a few hours just to counteract the Prednisone in his little body. The list goes on and on...

So, when you hear things like, "Diabetes is manageable" or "What are they complaining about? All he has to do is take a little shot and watch what he eats." Think again!

1.Not all types of diabetes are treated the same.
2.There is more than one type of diabetes (see post on sister blog).
3.Manageable doesn't mean easy or a cure!
4.Walk in the shoes of any diabetic child, THAN you can see how you feel.

At the same time, know we are SO thankful that Ethan wasn't diagnosed with something more serious than Type 1 diabetes. Sadly enough, there is always someone, somewhere, worse off than yourself. We've tried to instill this in all of our children and to be thankful in ALL things. Some days are just better than others.

10 Years Ago Today-Part 3

Time seemed to slow down through out the rest of the day, but just as I was ready to throw in the towel, the love of my life walked through the door. I was thrilled to see him! We hugged, but I think he was anxious to see his little boy than anything else. Under the circumstances, who could blame him? He went straight to Ethan's bedside, our 4 year old who had been diagnosed earlier that day with Type 1 Diabetes. Ethan was excited to see daddy and began telling him about everything he had missed. He was upbeat and smiling. Of all things...smiling! That's our Ethan!

Ethan has always had a smile that lit up a room. His dad has the same smile. He doesn't know what a stranger is, isn't the least bit shy, and is the "social-butterfly" of our family (not including myself of course!). He has always been VERY inquisitive, smart, and a perfectionist (which he comes by naturally from his father & grandfather.) He also has the biggest heart of any kid I've known! He was always a strong kid, (he had to be with his older brother, Logan, pushing him around all the time), but after diagnosis he grew even stronger. There isn't a day that goes by that I am not amazed by Ethan's strength and determination. I am blessed to have him as my son and lil' protector.

We all stayed a week at the hospital attending classes and going through training on how to take care of Ethan and his diabetes. When it came time to learn how to give him his insulin shot, the diabetic educator had Mark and I give ourselves a shot of saline first. Her theory was that many parents feel they are hurting their child, when in reality it is nothing more than a little poke. It would be easier to give him his shots if we knew how it felt. I wasn't convinced of her theory, but soon learned there was no turning back. 1...2...3... and Mark was done. Me on the other hand, I'm not sure how long we were there. I broke down, sobbing uncontrollably for about 10 minutes. Finally, I closed my eyes (yeah, not the smartest thing to do) and stuck it in. Mark's first words were, "See, that wasn't so bad." I opened my eyes and glared at him. Poor guy, he was just trying to help.

After the traumatic lesson on giving shots, Ethan learned how to check his own blood sugar. He did a great job! And when the nurse gave him his first shot that week it was the ONLY time he cried. (I must say on his behalf however, the lady did NOT know what she was doing and had NO bedside manners!) Before we left, Daddy gave him a shot. They both survived it, with daddy being overly cautious and Ethan reassuring him, "It's okay daddy, it didn't hurt that bad."

10 Years Ago Today-Part 2

My father and I were holding each other and crying when my four year old said, "What's wrong mommy?" I quickly tried wiping the tears away, as my father said, "Mama's just sad honey." I stammered to regain my composure as I went over to sit down beside him. "Ethan sweetie, that was the lady with your results from the test we've been taking." "What did she say mommy?" I choked down more tears as I pulled him closer, "She said you have something called diabetes. You have to stay in the hospital for a few days until we get things under control. Mommy will be right here and daddy will be here soon" to which I started crying again. "What's diabetes?" he asked innocently as he looked up at me with his big brown eyes and face full of freckles. "Well, sweetie, it's what Pappy has. Remember when you watch him test his blood sugars or get him juice when he goes low? You will have to do the same thing now too, but the doctors will teach us all about it and what daddy and I need to do to help you. Okay?"

During this time, my father was on the other side of the room, with tear-filled eyes and a pain stricken heart. I knew from the past, this was the last thing my father, my children's "Pappy" wanted for any of his loved ones. He felt a personal responsibility for Ethan, my four year old, developing diabetes. Yet, we both knew it was no ones fault. We couldn't have stopped this from happening. It was not in our power. It was only in the hands of the Lord now and all we could do was trust in Him. Ethan became concerned about both of us. "What's the big deal mommy? Why is Pappy crying?" I explained to him that Pappy was just sad like mommy and felt like it was his fault. "Pappy didn't do this. It's okay."

That was all it took for me to realize the strength of my little one and that he would always be my little hero! I knew he didn't understand the depth of what having diabetes meant, but yet, I was at peace knowing he was going to be alright. If it had to happen to one of my children, the Lord definitely knew which one could handle it, for this I was thankful.

It took awhile before they were able to get us into a hospital room. While we were waiting, I called my husband at work to give him the dreadful news. I heard his voice and immediately broke down yet again. It was hard to find the words. He was so sure that his lil' boy didn't have anything seriously wrong with him, yet I had to be the bearer of bad news. "Are they sure? Is there anything else it could be?" he questioned. He didn't want to accept the news anymore than the rest of us did. However, deep down he knew what this meant for Ethan and the years to come.

BiRtHdAy BoY!

ETHAN MCCALL SPORE
10/24/1994
8lbs. 8 oz.
19.5"
Then...

Ethan's Top 5 at 4 Years Old
Football
Pooh Bear
Cowboy Boots
Chocolate Cake
Mee-Mee's (Blankets)

Now...

Girls
Fast Cars
Deer Hunting
Texas Walker a.k.a. Chuck Norris
WE LOVE YOU ETHAN!
Please leave BIRTHDAY WISHES for Ethan in the comments!

It Started In The Grass Documentary

Documentary photography:
refers to a type of professional photojournalism,
but it may also be an amateur or student pursuit (quest, mission, hunt, activity)

The photographer attempts to:

* create truthful, objective (factual), and usually candid (open, honest, truthful, sincere) photography of a particular subject, most often pictures of people
* the pictures usually depict (represent, show, portray)
a certain perspective (viewpoint) of the photographer

Why is this important you ask?
What does this have to do with the family?

All three boys were outside playing football with each other Sunday when Ethan, our normally cool, calm, and collected son frantically darted in the house yelling, "MOM... MOOOOMMMM!! Come quick! Logan fell and cut his hand on something. The blood is pouring out. He needs you!" Mark immediately jumped off the couch and ran for the door. I made it out after him where Logan was moaning and groaning in pain while holding his right hand. Ethan had already managed to get a towel for him to put pressure on the cut, but the blood was managing to soak through quickly. Mark took one look at it and said, "He's going to need stitches." Ethan and Caleb were ecstatic! You would've thought it was Christmas morning and time to open presents! "I wanna go!" said Caleb. "I am going" said Ethan. To which I replied, "We don't ALL have to go. He will be okay." "But, moooommmm... (whining the whole time) we wanna watch him get stitches..." I of course, gave in to their pleas and off we went...at least I thought we were on our way when, "WAIT! We have to get the camera. Logan is gonna want to see this when it's over!" Ethan yelled . "What? You have to be kidding?? O good grief! Hurry up Ethan!" I retorted. And then it began... the flashing lights... the clicking of the camera...

Ethan documented the entire excursion (or most of it) at the emergency room. I felt his first "student quest at attempting to truthfully and sincerely represent HIS viewpoint" of Logan's jaunt needed some recognition. We ask that you are kind and courteous, he is only 13 (14 tomorrow... sniff.. sniff) and leave your comments, suggestions, and opinions after viewing:

IT STARTED IN THE GRASS
BY: ETHAN M. SPORE

**FrIdAy NiGhT lIgHtS**

Believe it or not since our last blog, three football games were battled out, one long, worrisome night was spent in the hospital, swamp central was FINALLY mowed, $ was made subbing, a "Friday Night Lights" moment was had by all, $ was spent buckled and strapped down in an ambulance, and among other memorable events, a Science Website was created! A woman's work is NEVER done and I am LOVING every minute of it!!!

OMS FOOTBALL UPDATE:
Game 1: E-Rad (a.k.a. Spike, E-E, The Missle) played his opening middle school football game as starting quarterback on Monday, September 8th. It was a disappointing evening to say the least with Moran running over the Indians, 60-8. Ethan battled through out the evening to stay on top of not only the game, but his health. Released from the hospital a few short hours before the game, Ethan remained focus and determined to play. Unfortunately he ended 0-2 for the night. From kick off to the final sound of the buzzer, Mark was stuffing crackers and cheese, peanut butter, and Gatorade down him to keep his blood sugar stable. (He never did get above 60 the whole game.) He fought hard, but his body just couldn't keep up. Ethan had gone to the ER the day before with the flu virus. He was unable to keep anything down or to keep his blood sugars stable. He was severely dehydrated by the time we got to the ER and was diagnosed with, "Respiratory Alkalosis " They put him in the hospital to observe him overnight. This was the FIRST time in 10 years that he was hospitalized because of his diabetes and the stomach flu. We are very blessed! Needless to say, neither of us slept much that night.

Game 2: Oswego 14, Altamont 0. I am thrilled to say that Tuesday's OMS football game (9/16) was a success! E-Rad had a killer run and some decent passes. The team played MUCH better than the week before and looked like they were having a great time on the field! Next game, Monday, September 22nd.

OHS FOOTBALL UPDATE:
O-O-OSW-E-E-EGO, OSW-EGO, OOSSSSWWWEEEEGGOO!
INDIANS 2-0!!!!

Oswego High School's football team tamed the Erie Red Devils Friday night 14-9. Erie took the lead 9-8 with 27.7 seconds left in the game on a 22 yard field goal. Erie then short kicked the kickoff, giving Oswego good field position to use its passing game. Two plays later, and with 4.2 seconds left on the clock for the final snap, the quarterback hit the wide receiver for a 15 yard touchdown pass after time expired. It was the play of the century!

Too bad we had to miss it. That's right! MISS IT! As luck would have it, Logan was injured at the end of the third quarter. The EMT's were called on the field and after several minutes Coach Monroe started looking for Mark. Time passed and I was FINALLY motioned to the field. (It was about time too! I mean, a mom's place IS with her son!) They decided his right knee had been hurt somehow, someway, someplace. They strapped him down on the gurney and lead him off the field. The crowd was clapping and in the distance, the players stood in a huddle with their helmets raised high shouting out, "Don't you worry Logan! We got this! This one's for you!" It was at that very moment, that my heart filled with pride. In the end, the boys did JUST what they told Logan they'd do and pulled the game off with 27.7 seconds left on the clock. WE ARE ONE. WE ARE UNITED. WE ARE THE INDIANS. Friday night this became reality!
On the left is a pic of Logan as we're leaving the ER. To the right>>On our way out several kids and our youth minister stopped to see how Logan was and have prayer with him.