I Don't Know How You Do It

A few days ago, another parent of a non-diabetic said this to me, "I don't know how you do it. "

It's not the first time that I have heard this, although each time I am puzzled by this statement.

What I want to explain is that with type 1 diabetes; either you take care of it or you die.

It's a pretty grim reality.

Wouldn't everyone do it?

But that is too stark of a statement for the real world.  So I just smile and shrug my shoulders. 

Later when I am alone, I review the conversation in my mind and decide that my friend meant to say this:

"Taking care of type 1 diabetes is an enormous task.  You are doing a great job and I hope you know that.  If you need a break, please let me know and I would love to step in.  I worry that I don't always know how to help but I want you to know that I am here for you and your two daughters."

This would have been so simple to reiterate and undoubtedly, make a world of difference to a person dealing with a chronic disease.

I don't know why they don't do it.