Take Good Care of Yourself

Put your own oxygen mask on first

When Joshua was diagnosed in 1985, we were told there would be a cure for diabetes within the next five years. I knew from my research that it would probably take a lot longer, so I was determined to make sure he knew how to take good care of himself. I repeatedly said to him, “Joshua, take really good care of yourself now, so if they find a cure, you will be healthy enough to have it, and if they don’t, you will still live a long and healthy life.”

We’re disappointed that there is no cure yet. However, I’m grateful and impressed that Joshua takes extraordinarily good care of himself and enjoys his life.

While taking good care of my child, I also learned to take good care of myself. When you board an airplane, the attendants instruct you to put the oxygen mask on yourself first during an emergency before you put the mask on others. The same is true when dealing with diabetes: You must take care of yourself first so you can take care of your child and teach him or her that same valuable lesson.