If you give the mom of a type 1 diabetic, who’s son is at sleep-away camp for the first time, access to an Instagram account where she may catch a glimpse of her kid, she may just spend hours scouring the pictures trying to find him.
I’m not saying I’m that mom...I’m just saying it could happen...
(Landon - left center in a grey hoodie, sitting at the table)
(blue swimsuit on the slide)
(far left in a black t-shirt, sitting next to kid in red t-shirt)
(to the left of the hoop, black shirt, holding the ball)
(front row directly in front of Chris Dudley, wearing white t-shirt)
(follow the 3pt line on the right hand side of the group, wearing white t-shirt just beyond the girl in the purple shirt)
(dead center, white shirt)
(pink hoodie - classic Landon)
(white t-shirt- the day Chris Dudley came & ate with him before any other campers showed up for breakfast)
(white t-shirt, going for the block)
(top row, second from the left, with his team)
Landon had an awesome time at Chris Dudley Basketball Camp. We got the chance to watch him play with his team & witness the award ceremony when we picked him up on Friday.
Over the next few days Landon recounted so many awesome experiences from camp. The excitement in his voice was palpable. When I asked him about how it felt to be surrounded by diabetics & to finally not be in the minority he described how totally supported he felt. Knowing that everyone else knows exactly what you are going through, the highs & the lows. The impact of not have people make weird faces when you prick your finger because they have all done it thousands of times before themselves. Knowing you are completely understood when you say you need sugar. Being cognizant of the fact that other people know how frustrating it is to just want to eat your food without having to bolus first or worse, wait until your insulin delivers before you can eat.
The basketball aspect of camp was just as prominent & because of where Landon's birthday falls he was able to choose whether he wanted to play up with the 14 & ups or the 13 & under. Landon chose to challenge himself & play up with the older kids. He may have been one of the youngest on his team but he was welcomed & accepted by the other kids. They passed him the ball & they trusted him to make plays. He was even given tips from older guys who have already played many seasons of high school basketball.
To bond that these kids had after one week was heartwarming. Landon made so many friends from all over the world.
I am so incredibly grateful that he had this adventure. I am so thankful to my mom for giving Landon this priceless gift & for the Chris Dudley Foundation for providing this amazing camp for kids with T1D. Landon is already counting down the weeks until he can go back.
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