Meet Rufus!

As some of you already know, my oldest son Ethan was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes at the young age of 2.  His "anniversary" is coming up in a few weeks. It is a day that we actually celebrate, because it's the day we got our sweet boy back.  He was days away from having a different story than what he has today! So thankful that we picked up on the fact that he wasn't himself.  I'll post more about that dreadful day later this month.  His decade anniversary is this year...WOW!!

Rufus the Diabetes Bear

Ethan was given many gifts from his hospital stay.  But there is one that he has loved since he was diagnosed.  Say hello to Rufus the Diabetes Bear!  All newly diagnosed T1D kids at Brenner's are given this bear.  It has patches on the areas that can/will be used to test their blood sugar levels & insulin injection sites.  He even came with a medical alert bracelet on his right wrist.  When Ethan first got Rufus, he was the fluffiest, softest bear.  As you can see, he has been well loved on!  Rufus is a constant companion.  He has been on vacations, multiple summer camps and sleepovers.  Ethan does not like leaving Rufus at home.  I would have never thought that a stuffed bear would be so meaningful to Ethan.  This past year, Ethan was able to attend several summer camps and guess who tagged along?  That's right, Rufus!  You would think that a 12 year old boy would be too embarrassed to take a stuffed animal along with him, but that is typical Ethan.  He is not concerned with what others think of him!!  I love that about him.

So, thank you Rufus for giving comfort to Ethan the last 10 years!  I often tell him that Rufus will be going off to college with him one day and he always responds with "Oh yeah!"!!