Kay, her grandma, and I recently attended an art exhibit showcasing pieces created by the Pre-K students. Each class displayed art inspired by a renowned artist, accompanied by a brief biography of their chosen inspiration. Kay’s class drew inspiration from Frida Kahlo, and I loved seeing how they expressed themselves through such a unique and creative project. Events like these are one of my favorite aspects of the Pre-K program—they provide wonderful opportunities for family engagement while allowing us to see all the hard work the kids have been doing.
While I know Kay enjoys school, I’ve noticed that she’s often not in the best mood during family events lately. Part of it might be her blood sugar levels—higher levels can affect her mood—but part of it could also just be that she’s a toddler still learning to regulate her emotions. This last school event, for example, was quite the adventure. I always try to get Kay involved and take her to as many activities as possible because I know how important the extra stimulation is for her. Plus, staying at home all the time can get boring for everyone. But when Kay’s upset, it can be hard to help her shake that mood.
It breaks my heart to see Kay go through so much at such a young age, but I hold on to the hope that all these challenges will make her stronger. Maybe, as she grows, things like managing her Type 1 Diabetes will feel less overwhelming to her—even though I know it’s a big deal and far from easy to manage. For now, I remind myself that every experience, even the tough ones, is shaping Kay into the amazing person she’s meant to be.