A week or so ago, I was at the marina where my 17 year old son works and I was getting fuel for my boat. I was tied up and my son said that he would be right back as he had to help someone launch a boat.

As is stood in my boat, I was looking at him in the other boat as it was backed down the ramp. RRRRRrummmmm, it wouldn’t start…rrrruuummmmmm it started and then died…rrrrrruuuuummmmmmm it started and then died again. I truly didnt expect what happened next!

RuuuummmmmmBOOOOMMMMM!  The engine exploded in the boat as a fireball erupted and the outboard engine cover flew 40 feet into the air. My son was still on the burning boat and had to run toward the fire in order to exit the boat. He ran and jumped onto the dock and off of the water. The boat continue to burn as I ran toward it with my fire extinguisher. I threw it to the other guy who was helping launch it as I ran back to the fuel depot and got a larger extinguisher. We quickly put out the flames and extinguished the fire.

Wow…..I almost witnessed my son get seriously injured or die right in front of me. I realized at that moment that I always think how I know my life could end at any time, but I never realized how our kids are under the same risk. An ordinary event turned horriffic in just under 10 seconds.  I have a different appreciation now of how I talk, think, and act with my children. Does it really matter that they have perfect grades…that their rooms are perfectly clean…that they didn’t clean up after themselves perfectly in the garage…that they didn’t take out the garbage.

It truly doesn’t…...I have learned to be a bit more forgiving.

Life is short…....go hug and kiss your loved ones!

Keep going…...............................Peace,    Bob

In the  next few weeks, parents across America will be worried about sending their little ones back to school. It will be even more scary for parents of a diabetic child. Now is the time for the parents of a diabetic child to be contacting their schools and setting up meetings with the administrators, teachers, coaches, substitute teachers, nurses and even the bus driver. Dont assume that any of them know anything about diabetes. You should also update your childs 504 plan (American Disabilities Act).

The JDRF has kits and help for how to build your childs 504 plan. You can go to www.jdrf.org .

You are your child’s best advocate, no one will look out for your child like you will….....

Keep going….........Cheers,    Bob

I was at a soccer tournament today and noticed a coach who was going off on his kids. (He is a type 1 on a pump) I thought to myself..”Oh man, I hope he’s not low.”  I always try to make sure I am alright during coaching stints so as not to get easily frustrated and take it out on the kids….I know I have run into that before, and I always regret any times I may have been a “grumpy diabetic” with my kids.

If you are a diabetic coach…...Stay in the zone…Little kiddies are counting on you.

Keep going…..Peace,   Bob