Meeting children where they are at is something we pride ourselves on at Dakota Boys and Girls Ranch. That means we have to be ready for any topic of conversation at any time. These kids are fighting intrusive thoughts and anxiety and the impact of trauma. When they need to talk about something, it is best to talk about it now.
I happened to be walking through the lunchroom when one of our teachers came in with several students on the way to the gym.
One of the kids, Carl, needed an afternoon snack (because of medicine he had just taken), and I offered to stay with him while the teacher went on with the other kids. I promised to bring the child to the gym when he finished his snack.
Carl is only 11, but he’s quick to tell everyone that his birthday is in two weeks. He is slight in stature and has only been at the Ranch a couple days. He smiles quickly and broadly. His hair is purple.
“What is diabetes?” is the first thing he says to me. “What’s it do to you?”
“Well, you have an organ in your body called a pancreas," I said. "The pancreas is supposed to make something called insulin that helps your body use sugar in the right way. When you have diabetes, something in the pancreas isn’t working right and your body gets sick from sugar because it can’t use it well.” (Let’s remember I am far from being a doctor and I am doing my best here.)
“But sometimes you have to give someone candy or juice when they have diabetes, or they will pass out, so why’s that?”
“I know that’s true,” I said. “But, you got me as to why. It seems backward, and I would have to learn more about it to be able to answer that.”
“Why do some people get it? My mom and grandma both have it,” he said between bites of his peanut butter sandwich.
My turn, “My sister has it, too. But I don’t. It does seem that some families have more family members who get it. But not always. Just because your mom and grandma have it doesn’t mean you will.”
“OK. Can I just throw the crusts away? I’m done.”
And, we’re off to the gym!
It’s good to be ready for anything. Obviously, diabetes was on Carl's mind today. Yes, I did look up why someone with diabetes sometimes needs sugar and now I know about diabetic hypoglycemia. I just have to figure out how to put that into 11-year-old, soon-to-be 12-year-old, language so I’m ready for next time.
Please keep our kids and staff in your prayers.
In His love,
Joy Ryan, President/CEO
Dakota Boys and Girls Ranch
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