Wander & Wonder

In the ER, when the doctor told them their son had Type 1 diabetes, I expected the usual mix of shock, fear, and sadness—and it was all there. But what stood out most was this family’s immediate sense of teamwork. There was no blame, no frustration directed at each other or at life. Instead, they faced it side by side, already leaning on each other before the reality had fully sunk in. That same dynamic was even more prevalent in the teaching session, where the endocrinology nurse spent a few hours explaining all the ins-and-outs involved in managing this complex, chronic disease. As she went through insulin injections, carb counting, and blood sugar checks, the parents weren’t just learning for their son; they were preparing as a unit. Of course, he would be the one living with this every day, but they made it clear he wouldn’t be doing it alone. From the very start, it wasn’t just his diagnosis—it was theirs as a family, and they were ready to take it on together. This interaction reminded me how natural it can be to push others away when faced with stress or fear. But those who come together in difficult moments are often the ones best equipped to handle the challenges ahead—and they’ll likely navigate them with more strength and ease.