Posted by Sue on January 24, 2000 at 13:30:07:
In Reply to: questions posted by Sandra Silvestri on January 24, 2000 at 11:38:53:
Sandra,
I understand the difference in my answer and the way you wrote it above is subtle, but I wrote, "I truly do understand his heartfelt desire not to inflict this on another child." I did not say I would not have another child if I was in Conrad's position, nor do I necessary think he should not. However, if my first child had been diagnosed with diabetes before the other two were born, I have to admit I would have done much soul searching before getting pregnant again. I truly don't know what I would have done. Thankfully it's not something I had to deal with.
I do understand, and that was what I was trying to stress, how difficult this must be for someone in Conrad's position. My diabetes is not an infliction to me. Most of the time, I barely think about it. But I do know I'm one of the "lucky" ones. I have lived 32 very good years with diabetes, and I hope any contributions I have made to the world during this time will be worth whatever those who love me have to go through should my health deteriorate.
This whole topic is a very strange one for me because I believe in God's plan and purpose in our lives, whatever our circumstances. Once a child is conceived, he or she is precious despite any physical problems that may exist. However, I think it is unrealistic for someone who already had diabetes, and has one child diagnosed with it, not to wonder if maybe they should call it quits, rather than have another child who may end up with all the complications that Steve has mentioned. If you knew beyond the shadow of a doubt that the child would be as healthy as I am, then it's not much of a gamble. But, unfortunately, those guarantees just don't exist with diabetes.
Have I totally confused you now? :-)
Sue