November 10, 2021 • 32 mins
In episode 45, Sarah Vaughan tells her beautiful and heartwarming story of fostering to adopt a daughter with type 1 diabetes AND her little sister. This one is just sweet good for the soul. Enjoy!
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Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Katie (00:01):
This is episode 45 of the sugar mamas podcast.
And today I get to talk withSarah.
Sarah is going to tell us herfamily's amazing and
heartwarming story of fosteringto adopt that involves type one
diabetes.
I know you guys are going tolove this conversation.
Enjoy.
(00:24):
You're listening to the sugarmamas podcast, a show designed
for moms and caregivers of typeone diabetics here.
You'll find a community oflike-minded people who are
striving daily to keep theirkids safe, happy, and healthy in
the ever-changing world of typeone.
I'm your host and fellow T one Dmom, Katie Roseboro.
(00:53):
Before we get started.
I need you to know that nothingyou hear on the sugar mamas
podcast should be consideredmedical advice.
Please be safe, be smart, andalways consult your physician
before making changes to the wayyou manage type one diabetes.
Thanks.
Sarah (01:10):
all right.
Well, my name is Sarah.
I am from a small town inMississippi.
I'm about 30 minutes outside ofStarkville, and I am married to
my wonderful husband, Paul andwe have three kids.
Um, Kaylin is our oldest she's12, and then Shea is a little.
And we adopted them this summerfrom foster care.
And then we also have a sixmonth old and our oldest Caitlyn
(01:33):
who's 12.
She's the one that has type onediabetes.
Katie (01:36):
Okay.
So you guys have quite the storyof fostering to adoption and it
involves type one.
So walk us through just theprocess of fostering to adopting
your type one diabetic and herlittle sister.
Sarah (01:52):
okay.
So I was a public school teacherand my husband and I were dating
at the time.
And I taught this preciouslittle girl who is in Boster
care.
And it was Caitlin's littlesister Shay.
And I taught her in second gradeand I always had wanted to
foster.
They were in the foster caresystem and she was just that
kid.
That just like grabs your heart.
(02:14):
Um, there was just somethingdifferent about her.
And I would tell Paul all thetime I was like, I just.
That there's something differentabout this kid.
Um, so we met through that yearof teaching and I always told my
principal, if they ever need ahome, please let me know.
And my husband and I got marriedthat spring of 2018, and I ended
up moving school districtsbecause we got married.
(02:36):
Um, but that December, we got acall letting us know that Shay
and her older sister, Caitlinwere going to need a new foster
home.
And so we got licensed as quickas we could.
And, um, that was before we hadeven been married for a year.
So the girls came April 1st,2019, and then our one-year
wedding anniversary was the nextweek.
(02:56):
And so they came in, um, andtheir plan was to reunify, back
with their birth family, butthat just didn't happen.
And
Katie (03:04):
Yeah.
Sarah (03:04):
we ended up actually getting to adopt them this
summer, but they were in fostercare for.
Katie (03:10):
Yeah.
Did they go in and out of thefoster care system?
I mean, and in the process oftrying to re reunite them.
Sarah (03:16):
It pretty consistent.
They were just, they came intothe system when they were around
the age of eight and seven, andthen they never went back home.
So they had visits, but, butthey stayed in the system.
Katie (03:29):
Okay.
So Caitlin, right.
She's the
Sarah (03:32):
Yes.
Katie (03:33):
Okay.
So when was she diagnosed with.
Sarah (03:36):
So she was diagnosed with type one when she was.
and then came into foster carewhen she was eight.
So she had two years with herbirth family.
Um, and there was, there wasstill a lot of neglect in the
home and so her diabetes was notmanaged.
Um, so I knew that she was adiabetic.
I don't think it really hit meuntil like the day before they
came that, oh, tomorrow, likeI'm going to have.
(03:59):
A girl with something that couldpotentially kill her in my home.
And I don't know how to managethis.
And, um, my sister is aregistered dietician, so that
was super helpful for me.
I like called her the daybefore.
Um, didn't know what equipmentKaitlin had.
I didn't know, um, about, I justknew that if she got low, I was
to give her a Capri sign andthat's about all I knew.
(04:22):
Um, and so it was a littlescary.
Katie (04:25):
Yeah.
So how did, I mean, so most ofus, when our kids get diagnosed,
we land ourselves in thehospital.
That's typically how it happens.
So we spend a couple of days inthe hospital getting educated by
the endocrinologist and the, youknow, certified diabetes care
and education specialist.
And we have like, they call itdiabetes school.
Um, and it's, you know,basically 48 hours.
(04:46):
All you can learn aboutdiabetes.
So how did, how did that lookfor you?
Because I'm assuming you weren'tin the hospital with her at
first, correct.
Okay.
Sarah (04:56):
Yeah.
Yeah.
So ha before she came to me,Caitlin had been in two diabetic
comas.
Um, so she was in one when shefirst found out she had.
Diabetes when she was six.
And then when they came intofoster care at the age of eight,
she was actually brought intofoster care from the hospital.
Um, she was in her second onejust because it was so, um, ill
(05:18):
managed.
So I called down to herendocrinologist and they were
like, we can get you intomorrow.
So she came April 1st and thenwe can get you in April 2nd to
come and sit down with someoneand talk about it.
And so I was like, okay, I'vegot to keep this girl alive for
24 hours.
Um, so when they bring you achild in foster care who has
(05:42):
diabetes, I'm sure it'sdifferent in every case, but in
our case she was 10 and theysaid, here's her stuff.
She knows how to handle.
See you later.
Um, that was about my training.
And so she didn't have anex-com, she didn't have a pump.
She just had, um, her stuff todo fingersticks her, uh, insulin
shots.
And that was about all we had.
(06:03):
And so she was very independentwith it and she didn't know how
to handle a lot, which wasgreat.
Um, But we were just kind of insurvival mode until the next day
I sat down with theendocrinologist for about an
hour or two and they gave mesome packets of stuff and we
were on our way.
Katie (06:21):
Oh, well, so sorry.
The timeline is, you know, uh,with everything is, um, I just
want to make sure she was, yousaid she was diagnosed at six,
went into foster care at eight,and then by the time she got to
you, she was 10 ish.
10, 10.
Okay.
Wow.
Okay.
Okay.
So Yeah.
So she knew, I mean, my daughteris nine and I, I mean, she's
(06:42):
fairly independent.
I feel like if she got droppedoff in the middle of a forest,
she could probably survive for,you know, 48 hours on her own at
least.
But, um, but still, I mean, shedoesn't have, she didn't have
any of the, you know, fancytools that most of us have
today, CGMs and pumps.
And, um, and like you said,Prior to this, her diabetes
(07:04):
wasn't managed very well.
So there was probably a lot thatyou both had to learn obviously
to get her, um, to, uh, a betterplace.
Um, I'm just curious, does Shehave a pumper Dexcom now?
Sarah (07:17):
She does.
So after a little bit less thana year of being with us, we were
able to get a Dexcom, which wasa huge help.
And then, um, this spring wegot, uh, So that has been a game
changer for us.
And so it was really nice thatshe knew how to do a lot, but I
(07:37):
felt like we kind of had to goin reverse a little bit because
she had been doing things wrong.
Um, and so we're at the feltlike a typical child, you would
teach them indigenous.
With their diabetes.
We had to like teach herdependence on us, um, with
diabetes and then, and then goforward.
And so, um, just things thatweren't being done correctly,
(07:58):
like we didn't use an alcoholwipe before we did a finger
stick or before we did aninsulin shot.
Katie (08:04):
Um,
Sarah (08:05):
she just had never done that.
so things like that, that wejust had to relearn, you know,
correct ways to do.
Katie (08:13):
was she pretty, pretty receptive to kind of learning
the new way and getting helpfrom you?
Sarah (08:19):
Kind of a lot of times she was like, well, I've lived
this long and it hasn't botheredme, you know?
So we kind of had to have somesit downs about how,
Katie (08:28):
I know.
Sarah (08:29):
the Lord has kept you safe for this long, but we're
going to.
Take an extra step at work inthe white, down with an alcohol
wipe just in case.
And so, um, we, we, it was alearning adjustment for a little
bit, but
Katie (08:43):
Yeah, that's such, it's so hard.
It's such a fine line of liketrying to stress to them that
this is really important and canlead to serious complications
down the line and, you know,wanting them to be educated and
motivated to take care ofthemselves, but also not just
scaring them to death.
You know what I mean?
(09:04):
I try not to use scare tacticswith my daughter, but it's just,
you know, it's so hardsometimes.
Cause you just want to be like,this is so important.
Like,
Sarah (09:12):
Yes, it's hard to find that balance.
And I think her other fosterparents hadn't always handled it
the best.
It was kind of more.
Um, she would get a differentdessert than everybody else,
that kind of thing.
And I think they had really goodintentions, she always felt
really ostracized, um, for hertype one.
And so, the other thing we dealtwith it was a little bit of an
(09:33):
adjustment was food struggles.
typically in foster care foodhoarding is a big deal, um,
because there's not enough foodin the home.
And then you add in diabeteswith that and you cut things out
because of that, uh, that was alearning adjustment too, is
we've had to work a lot on foodregulation and, um, the
(09:54):
importance of not binge eatingcertain foods, you know, or.
Katie (10:01):
Yeah.
Yeah.
I've heard, I've heard thatabout like a few of my friends
that foster, they, know, they,they say that that's typically
something they see is that, youknow, all of a sudden these not
always in a foster home, but ifsomebody is, you know, has the
means, like there's all of asudden they're presented with
all this food.
And so they'll, they'll bingeeat it.
Cause they think like they mightnever see it again.
(10:21):
Or they just don't know when thenext stable meals gonna be just
breaks my heart breaks.
Yeah, this is kind of a personalquestion, but did you, did you
guys do any type of counselingas a, as a family or did, did
Kaylin do any counseling?
Sarah (10:36):
so the girl started counseling a few months into
being with us.
I that they were going to wantthem to go into counseling when,
um, their plan changed toadoption.
And so I took the initiative andI was like, I want to find them
a good counselor.
I don't really want the fostercare system to find them a good
counselor.
so.
Knew someone and she's aChristian and has worked with
(10:57):
kids, um, and kind of a fostercare type of setting here in
Mississippi.
And so I had asked her, and soshe did counseling with the
girls weekly, and most ofKailyn's was discussing food and
diabetes.
Katie (11:11):
Yeah.
Yeah.
That's, that's probably a goodidea, especially cause she's 12
now.
So I, you know, I feel like theteenage years present problems
in, and of themselves with bodyimage and food issues, not
always, but, um, does she still,
Sarah (11:25):
parties and stuff like that, you know?
Katie (11:28):
Oh yeah, definitely.
So I'm just, I'm curious whenyou sign up to be a foster
parent, do you.
Specify whether or not you arewilling or even able to take
care of somebody with a chronicmedical condition, or is it just
all or nothing?
Sarah (11:46):
typically they'll call you for anything.
Um, there is a type of fostercare that's like more
specialized or special needs.
Um, but from what I've seen,that kind of goes more into
like, Severe disabilities typeof special needs.
Um, not really like somethinglike diabetes.
And so may I saw the other dayon a Facebook page.
I was in that they needed a homefor a three-year-old who has
(12:09):
type one.
Um, and they were just trying tolook for somebody.
And so a lot of times you'rejust thrown it overnight.
And, um, you just pray that youcan get in with a good doctor
and learn all the, all thelittle tips and tricks along the
way.
Katie (12:27):
Yeah, absolutely.
I mean, I feel like yoursituation.
I mean, we're all kind of throwninto it when you get the type
one diagnosis, but yoursituation is definitely
different because not only areyou thrown that, but you're
also, you know, you're bringingnew personalities into your
house and that's, that's hardand that's, uh, that's
definitely an adjustment foreverybody.
Are you guys still fostering?
Sarah (12:48):
Um, our CLA our house houses on what's called deferral
right now.
So we're taking like a six monthbreak because we just had a
baby.
so when we got the girls, uh, wehad been walking through and
fertility, and then it was realneat.
We.
This, I guess 2020 during COVID.
Um, I was able to have aprocedure done and got pregnant
(13:08):
and, uh, he had a baby thisspring.
So right now we're on deferral.
We fostered five kids total.
So we've kept the girls andwe've had three that have been
in and out of our home.
Um, and then we'll, we'll goback on the list, but we just
needed a little break.
Katie (13:23):
Oh, totally understand that.
First of all, congratulations,that's very
Sarah (13:26):
Thank you.
Katie (13:26):
guys just had a baby or the older girls adjusting well
to having a six month old in thehouse.
Sarah (13:32):
Oh, yes, they're all about it.
That's been great.
I told my mom, I was like, I'mspoiled because I have helpers
with the baby.
And so I don't know what it'slike to have a, you know, our
family is kind of reverse.
So we have our biological childis younger than our adopted
kids.
And so, um, I've never had todeal with a newborn phase
without having helpers around.
(13:52):
A huge blessing,
Katie (13:54):
Oh, my gosh.
Sarah (13:54):
they love, they spoil that baby way too much.
Katie (14:00):
bet.
That's so fun.
Is it?
Is the baby a boy or a girl?
Sarah (14:03):
It's a girl.
So we are full of girls, my poorhusband.
Katie (14:07):
Yeah, bless his heart.
Do you have any animals that aremales?
Sarah (14:10):
Um, we have one dog that has a male.
We have another dog is a girl.
So
Katie (14:14):
Yeah, he's definitely.
He's definitely outnumbered forsure.
Well, what, I'm just, I'mcurious about your school
situation.
Are you homeschooling them orare
Sarah (14:23):
So
Katie (14:24):
yeah.
Sarah (14:25):
yeah, we are homeschool and this year, um, so in foster
care they have to be in publicor private school.
Um, I noticed though, like herdiabetes was so much easier to
manage when we were on virtual.
COVID happened.
We went virtual and I was like,oh man, it's so much easier to
manage everything.
Cause they can get a.
Move around their sugars gogoing high or, um, so we were in
(14:47):
school.
I was a public school teacherfor five years, and then this
year we were homeschooling.
Um, so the girls Kaylin's inseventh grade and then my other
one is in fifth grade and thebaby just cheers him on
Katie (15:00):
Oh, my gosh.
I love that so much.
That's great.
Are you doing like a virtualschool?
Like a, not a, um, not like aCOVID virtual school, but like
an online virtual school or doyou have like a different
curriculum that you use?
Sarah (15:12):
We have a mixture of curriculums we use.
So I was actually homeschooled Kthrough 12, um, and always kind
of knew I wanted to homeschool.
I just went the teacher routeuntil the Lord opened up the
doors for us to do that.
it worked out cause we met ourkids that way.
Katie (15:26):
Yeah.
Sarah (15:26):
so they love it.
They love that they get donewith school early.
So they're working on schoolright now.
And then I've been kind ofchecking it up throughout the
morning, but they would use adifferent variety of.
Katie (15:37):
Okay.
Yeah.
I've man.
I went into a panic when we hadto go virtual for the pandemic,
because I just, I know thevirtual pandemic virtual is very
different than like atraditional homeschool setting.
And we just did not do well withvirtual pandemic virtual.
And there was many times.
I was messaging all myhomeschool friends.
(15:58):
Like tell me what curriculumsyou're using, because we might
be switching.
Like, I cannot do this again.
it was just hard and it wasn'tthe teacher's fault cause they
were, they didn't know what theywere doing either.
You know what I mean?
Everybody was, just thrown intoit.
Sarah (16:10):
was in like survival mode.
I feel like.
And I was like pregnant at thetime and we're trying to do
virtual and not all kids haveinternet.
And I was like, this is crazy,but
Katie (16:19):
Yeah, absolutely.
All right.
Well tell me, so, oh, well she'shome now, but, uh, I was just
going to ask about school andeverything, but that, that
doesn't apply in this situationcause she's at home and you can
just walk into the next room and
Sarah (16:32):
true.
Katie (16:32):
Yeah, that's awesome.
I feel like there's probablysome parents out there who are
considering adopting andfostering.
They already most likely have atype one in their home, but just
what of advice encouragement doyou have for anybody who's
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Sarah (18:13):
my advice would be go with your gut.
And so I think that I don'tthink everybody is called to
foster or adopt.
Um, but I think that sometimes,so coming from a Christian
perspective, I think sometimesthe Lord places, something on
your heart for a reason.
So I always knew that I wantedto foster.
(18:34):
Um, and then it just grew overthe years, my husband, uh, was
not really sure about it.
He didn't know a lot about it.
And so we just had lots ofconversations and, um, when we
had walked through twomiscarriages, my sister-in-law
said maybe God's plan isdifferent from your family, for
your family.
Then yours is.
(18:54):
And we just started prayingabout it.
And then literally we startedhaving people ask us about what
about the student at school?
may need a foster family.
Could you do it?
Like, and then it ended up thatchild didn't need a home.
Um, and then we got the callabout the girls.
And so just giving your yes.
Um, even if the unknowns are alittle scary, um, there's a lot
(19:17):
of myths about foster care.
And so I just tell people to askpeople who are foster.
Um, to really get the insidescoop because a lot people
sidewalk couldn't afford it.
Um, well that's not really anissue with foster care most of
the time.
Um, there's there's ways that itcan be made affordable.
And so, yeah, be open, look atyour family situation, you know,
(19:39):
and be wise about the kids youmay already have in your own
home you're considering ages,but you can request like certain
ages, um, that would work bestfor your family.
Or you can say, Hey, we can onlytake.
So we have three girls.
Um, we have right now, we'llprobably just open back up our
home to only girls that arebelow a certain age.
Um, just to be wise consideringour own family.
(20:02):
it is, you will be blessed waymore than you bless other
people, because it is a, youjust learn a lot.
It's a humbling experience andwe love it.
We love just taking kids in andshowing them family.
Um, it's been a fun adventure.
Katie (20:16):
Yeah, gosh, you guys definitely have the heart for
it.
And, you know, when, when youwere teaching and you had Shea
in your class and you know, youjust out to your principal and
said, Hey, if girls ever need ahome, let me know.
Um, I feel like for you, itjust, the, you know, few minutes
I've been talking to you, itprobably didn't matter.
(20:36):
But did you know at the timethat Caitlin had type one.
Sarah (20:40):
I did.
I met one.
Um, and that's all I really knewwas that she had type one and,
uh, looking back, I don't thinkI realized how much of our life
it would consume, which may bethe Lord's grace.
It was a good thing that Ididn't know, you know, at the
time how severe it would be atpoints.
Um, but yeah, I knew that shehad had.
Katie (21:00):
Yeah.
I don't think anybody knows, youknow, people I see in these
social media groups, people getupset when, you know, people
that don't have to deal withtype one everyday, say things
like, oh, it's just diabetes.
Like, you know, at least it'smanageable.
Like they just, just don't know.
Like, unless you're, unlessyou're living it day in and day
out, you don't really realizethe, the amount of 24 7
(21:23):
vigilance.
It requires and, um, just tokeep things in check.
So, and I feel like, you know,the same, the same went for me
before my daughter gotdiagnosed.
I, I probably would've said thesame thing.
Like, oh, well, at least it'snot this.
Or at least it's not that.
And, um, uh, yeah, it probablywas the Lord's grace just
keeping you from knowing toomuch at the time.
Sarah (21:45):
Yes.
Yes.
That's an adjustment.
And let me tell you, when youget to the teen years, hormones
Katie (21:50):
Hmm.
Sarah (21:51):
I never thought that would be a thing.
We're walking through puberty,right.
Puberty right now.
And that has it changes, youknow, your blood sugar just will
run half for no reason.
And so we kind of have adifferent insulin schedule when
we're on our cycle than we dowhen we're not on our cycle, but
that has been something I wouldhave never thought, you know,
Katie (22:09):
Yeah.
Oh yeah.
I know, We, I had a talk aboutthat with the endocrinologist.
Last time we went, my daughter'sonly nine, but she just went
through a big growth spurt.
So the endocrinologist is askingabout like, oh, maybe this is
starting like, you know, pre,pre, pre, pre puberty.
And I was like, no way.
Um, but I feel like that'sprobably not wrong.
(22:30):
I feel like we're coming up onthose years really quickly.
And I've noticed that like, Itseems like every month, there's
a week where she'll run high.
And then right after that she'llrun low and I'm like, I bet her
body is getting ready.
for
Sarah (22:45):
ready.
Katie (22:45):
all of that.
Sarah (22:47):
We noticed that around, like, uh you'll if you have a
Dexcom, one thing that's beenreally interesting is around
like two to 3:00 AM.
Uh, we'll start to run high, sowe'll be like level all night.
Everything's great.
And then around two to three, amit just like all of a sudden
starts to spike up and that'sapparently, apparently adviser
and some hormone stuff aroundthat time and it's normal, but
(23:10):
it's crazy.
Yeah.
The, you just don't think aboutthat being an issue with that.
Katie (23:15):
I know, I know, I didn't think about half of things when
we first got diagnosed, I'mlike, oh, so pretty much every
single thing in life affectsyour blood sugar.
The way the wind is blowingthat.
day, whatever it may be.
Yes.
Yeah, absolutely.
Well, Sarah, thank you so muchfor coming on today.
I've really enjoyed chattingwith you and learning about
(23:35):
your, your story.
Is there anything else you wantto let the listeners know?
Sarah (23:41):
I think that's it.
It has been, you know, it's beena learning experience, but I
think if you're with fosteringand then also with diabetes, I
think when you're open to learnabout it, it's definitely
possible.
You know, it's, it's not, it's alittle scary at first.
Um, but then that community hasjust been huge, you know,
finding those people who supportyou and encourage you.
(24:04):
Um, that has been a game changerfor us is just not walking
through it alone.
Katie (24:10):
Yeah, absolutely.
Do you just, are you just partof support groups online or do
you guys do any sort of, youknow, support groups or JDRF or
anything else?
Local?
Sarah (24:19):
So we're in a couple of support groups online.
And then, um, just some localfriends have been huge for us,
just.
You know, thinking and checkingin on Caitlin and they make a
big deal about, you know, andshe has a sticker for her Omni
pod or, you know, things likethat, encouraging things.
Um, and then I have a fewfriends who are type ones and so
just really reaching out to themand, there's such a need for
(24:41):
good foster families too.
And so on the foster care front,you know, there's, I don't know
about every state, but inMississippi, there's such a need
for foster families you know,their kids are needing
placements left and right.
And so.
Um, just that encouragement, youknow, that you can do it and,
uh, listen, listen to that innerpush that you feel.
Katie (25:05):
Yeah, I have you heard of the Isaiah one 17.
Sarah (25:09):
No.
Katie (25:10):
Okay.
You'll have to look that up.
It's started in Tennessee andthe lady's name that set
started.
It is escaping my brain at themoment.
Um, I'm gonna look it up reallyquickly, Okay, her name is
Rhonda Paulson.
So the it's I love her story.
When you were telling, talkingabout your husband, like not
(25:31):
being.
Super sure about whether or notfostering was the right thing
for you guys.
I was thinking about her becauseshe has the most hilarious story
about how she, she just feltreally called to foster and
possibly even adopt.
And she brought it up to herhusband and he was like,
Absolutely not.
And so of course she startedpraying about it.
(25:51):
And anyway, long story short,she like tricked him in to going
to like, not even like a meetingabout fostering.
It was like, she signed them upfor the class to become foster
parents.
And he, he went and was totallyso mad about it.
And then, but at the end he'slike, well, now that I've gone
(26:12):
and heard what I've heard, likeI, can't not.
Do this.
So they finished the wholecourse.
They ended up fostering.
You know, again, very longstory, but she started, what's
called the Isaiah one 17 house,which is a, they're building one
in my city right now, which Ithink is awesome.
But it's like a, it's like asafe home for kids that are
taken, that are removed fromtheir own home and are getting,
(26:34):
are waiting, awaiting placementin the foster care system.
And they rather than having tosit in the social workers.
They can go and sit in like it,or just be in this house with a
hot shower and a hot meal andtoys and a bed.
And they can wait there ratherthan in like a cold, a cold, a
social worker offices.
(26:54):
So
Sarah (26:55):
That's huge.
I actually, I have a picture ofour girls from, that had been
sent to me by my coworker whoalerted me when they needed a
new foster home.
And they were sitting in theoffice and she said they had
texted her.
And they were like, we don'tknow where we're going to go.
I guess nobody wants us, youknow, cause it is, it's hard for
them.
They were removed from that homethat foster parent, um, had
(27:15):
called him.
Like, I really need them to goahead and move tomorrow.
And I think she just kindawanted to rip the bandaid off
and it was, it was a good fosterhome.
They just knew it wasn't bepermanent.
And it was the day afterChristmas, you know?
So they got, they got all theirChristmas gifts the day before,
and then 26, they found out thatthe place that they thought they
(27:37):
were going to be at, you know,they'd been there for over a
year.
Um, they were going to have toleave a little bit, so they
just, yeah.
Hung out in the foster careoffice, hoping that they would
have somewhere to go.
And so.
It's hard, you know, and thenfor those, I was thinking about
this when you were asking what Icould tell other people.
I think, you know, if you're ina place and you can't foster, I
(27:58):
think looking at what can youdo?
You know, as, as a foster FA youknow, to support foster families
and for us, huge things havebeen just like meals, that
people bring, especially whenyou get a placement, um, Close a
lot of times the kids come withnothing.
So our girls have been in fostercare for a while, stayed a fair
amount, but I mean, we gotanother placement and he came
(28:20):
with nothing except for what hewas wearing.
Um, and that's a lot to have tocome up with overnight.
And so I don't think everyone iscalled to be foster parents, but
I do think that is called tohelp out.
Orphans, which is basically whatfoster kids are, you know, and,
(28:40):
and support those families ishuge.
You know, don't underestimatetaking a pizza to somebody.
Katie (28:46):
Yeah, absolutely.
that's another thing that thisIsaiah one 17 house does, is it,
it takes donations from thecommunity.
And so they've got diapers andfood and clothes for these kids
when they come into the house.
And Yeah.
so they're not.
They might be coming in withnothing, but they're not leaving
with nothing.
So it's pretty awesome.
You should look it up.
I think they're, yeah, they'respreading.
(29:09):
It's pretty new.
I think she just started it likea couple of years ago.
Um, so it's kind of slowlyspreading across the country,
but yeah, they're um, the onethat they're building in my city
just got, um, funded.
So they're, they're going tostart the construction process
and we've been helping out alittle bit, not.
And there's, you know, there'sno house to volunteer in yet,
(29:30):
but we've just been helping outwith like fundraising and stuff
like that, because, well, Idon't know that my family is
called to foster, at least notat this point in time.
I definitely yeah.
Feel the, the nudge to help insome way.
so it's been a good way for usto get involved in that.
Well, Sarah, thank you again.
I've loved chatting with you.
(29:50):
You have such a calm, demeanor.
Sarah (29:53):
Thank you.
Katie (29:54):
You're welcome.
Sarah (29:56):
I think the Lord has had to prepare that.
So my husband and I, we laughbecause we're 28 and 26 and we
have a 12 year old and 11 yearold and a six month old and
setting the girls have been withus like a week.
And my husband was like, feellike I've aged 10 years.
Katie (30:09):
Yeah.
Sarah (30:10):
And we just, you know, we just have, and it's fine.
We, I feel like I have such aneat relationship with the
girls, you know, because we'reso close in age, but
Katie (30:18):
Yeah.
Sarah (30:18):
I don't mind chatting anytime.
Katie (30:20):
Yeah.
Okay.
Well, thanks.
If I have any other, any otherfostering questions, I'll
definitely reach out or type onebecause I've got a girl that's
coming up on our teen years.
So I'm going to need the adviceof the moms that have come
before me.
So
Sarah (30:31):
Oh,
Katie (30:32):
I'm actually going to do a teen series starting at the
first of the year, uh, after thefirst of the year, I've got a
teen series coming out.
Sarah (30:38):
it.
She turns 13 December 3rd.
So that'd be
Katie (30:41):
Ooh, yes, girl tune in.
All right.
So you have a fabulous.
Sarah (30:47):
Thank you.
Katie (30:50):
That is it for our show today.
And Sarah, I just want to thankyou so much again for coming on.
I really loved hearing yourstory.
Thank you so much for sharingit.
You are truly such aninspiration to parents in
general and the type onecommunity also listeners.
Don't forget if you want to beon the show.
If you think you'd make a greatguest and have a story to tell,
then contact me.
(31:11):
You can emailme@sugarmommaspodcastatgmail.com
or you can head on over to theweb.
At www dot sugar, mommaspodcast.com and click on the
contact tab.
There's a short form to fill outand it will send an email
directly to me.
Let me know.
I'd love to chat.
Don't forget to subscribe to theshow.
(31:31):
You can easily do that on thewebsite, and don't forget to
spread the word.
Share with.
If this episode or this podcasthas been encouraging to you, let
others know about it, share itwith your friends, with your
online support groups, with yourendocrinologist.
Whoever's willing to listenabout the world of type one.
All right.
You guys have a fabulous week.
We're coming up on the holidays.
I mean, we've already done oneholiday, right?
(31:53):
Halloween's out of the way.
We've just got Thanksgiving andChristmas to go chat with you
soon.
Bye.
This is episode 45 of the sugar mamas podcast.
And today I get to talk withSarah.
Sarah is going to tell us herfamily's amazing and
heartwarming story of fosteringto adopt that involves type one
diabetes.
I know you guys are going tolove this conversation.
Enjoy.
(00:24):
You're listening to the sugarmamas podcast, a show designed
for moms and caregivers of typeone diabetics here.
You'll find a community oflike-minded people who are
striving daily to keep theirkids safe, happy, and healthy in
the ever-changing world of typeone.
I'm your host and fellow T one Dmom, Katie Roseboro.
(00:53):
Before we get started.
I need you to know that nothingyou hear on the sugar mamas
podcast should be consideredmedical advice.
Please be safe, be smart, andalways consult your physician
before making changes to the wayyou manage type one diabetes.
Thanks.
Sarah (01:10):
all right.
Well, my name is Sarah.
I am from a small town inMississippi.
I'm about 30 minutes outside ofStarkville, and I am married to
my wonderful husband, Paul andwe have three kids.
Um, Kaylin is our oldest she's12, and then Shea is a little.
And we adopted them this summerfrom foster care.
And then we also have a sixmonth old and our oldest Caitlyn
(01:33):
who's 12.
She's the one that has type onediabetes.
Katie (01:36):
Okay.
So you guys have quite the storyof fostering to adoption and it
involves type one.
So walk us through just theprocess of fostering to adopting
your type one diabetic and herlittle sister.
Sarah (01:52):
okay.
So I was a public school teacherand my husband and I were dating
at the time.
And I taught this preciouslittle girl who is in Boster
care.
And it was Caitlin's littlesister Shay.
And I taught her in second gradeand I always had wanted to
foster.
They were in the foster caresystem and she was just that
kid.
That just like grabs your heart.
(02:14):
Um, there was just somethingdifferent about her.
And I would tell Paul all thetime I was like, I just.
That there's something differentabout this kid.
Um, so we met through that yearof teaching and I always told my
principal, if they ever need ahome, please let me know.
And my husband and I got marriedthat spring of 2018, and I ended
up moving school districtsbecause we got married.
(02:36):
Um, but that December, we got acall letting us know that Shay
and her older sister, Caitlinwere going to need a new foster
home.
And so we got licensed as quickas we could.
And, um, that was before we hadeven been married for a year.
So the girls came April 1st,2019, and then our one-year
wedding anniversary was the nextweek.
(02:56):
And so they came in, um, andtheir plan was to reunify, back
with their birth family, butthat just didn't happen.
And
Katie (03:04):
Yeah.
Sarah (03:04):
we ended up actually getting to adopt them this
summer, but they were in fostercare for.
Katie (03:10):
Yeah.
Did they go in and out of thefoster care system?
I mean, and in the process oftrying to re reunite them.
Sarah (03:16):
It pretty consistent.
They were just, they came intothe system when they were around
the age of eight and seven, andthen they never went back home.
So they had visits, but, butthey stayed in the system.
Katie (03:29):
Okay.
So Caitlin, right.
She's the
Sarah (03:32):
Yes.
Katie (03:33):
Okay.
So when was she diagnosed with.
Sarah (03:36):
So she was diagnosed with type one when she was.
and then came into foster carewhen she was eight.
So she had two years with herbirth family.
Um, and there was, there wasstill a lot of neglect in the
home and so her diabetes was notmanaged.
Um, so I knew that she was adiabetic.
I don't think it really hit meuntil like the day before they
came that, oh, tomorrow, likeI'm going to have.
(03:59):
A girl with something that couldpotentially kill her in my home.
And I don't know how to managethis.
And, um, my sister is aregistered dietician, so that
was super helpful for me.
I like called her the daybefore.
Um, didn't know what equipmentKaitlin had.
I didn't know, um, about, I justknew that if she got low, I was
to give her a Capri sign andthat's about all I knew.
(04:22):
Um, and so it was a littlescary.
Katie (04:25):
Yeah.
So how did, I mean, so most ofus, when our kids get diagnosed,
we land ourselves in thehospital.
That's typically how it happens.
So we spend a couple of days inthe hospital getting educated by
the endocrinologist and the, youknow, certified diabetes care
and education specialist.
And we have like, they call itdiabetes school.
Um, and it's, you know,basically 48 hours.
(04:46):
All you can learn aboutdiabetes.
So how did, how did that lookfor you?
Because I'm assuming you weren'tin the hospital with her at
first, correct.
Okay.
Sarah (04:56):
Yeah.
Yeah.
So ha before she came to me,Caitlin had been in two diabetic
comas.
Um, so she was in one when shefirst found out she had.
Diabetes when she was six.
And then when they came intofoster care at the age of eight,
she was actually brought intofoster care from the hospital.
Um, she was in her second onejust because it was so, um, ill
(05:18):
managed.
So I called down to herendocrinologist and they were
like, we can get you intomorrow.
So she came April 1st and thenwe can get you in April 2nd to
come and sit down with someoneand talk about it.
And so I was like, okay, I'vegot to keep this girl alive for
24 hours.
Um, so when they bring you achild in foster care who has
(05:42):
diabetes, I'm sure it'sdifferent in every case, but in
our case she was 10 and theysaid, here's her stuff.
She knows how to handle.
See you later.
Um, that was about my training.
And so she didn't have anex-com, she didn't have a pump.
She just had, um, her stuff todo fingersticks her, uh, insulin
shots.
And that was about all we had.
(06:03):
And so she was very independentwith it and she didn't know how
to handle a lot, which wasgreat.
Um, But we were just kind of insurvival mode until the next day
I sat down with theendocrinologist for about an
hour or two and they gave mesome packets of stuff and we
were on our way.
Katie (06:21):
Oh, well, so sorry.
The timeline is, you know, uh,with everything is, um, I just
want to make sure she was, yousaid she was diagnosed at six,
went into foster care at eight,and then by the time she got to
you, she was 10 ish.
10, 10.
Okay.
Wow.
Okay.
Okay.
So Yeah.
So she knew, I mean, my daughteris nine and I, I mean, she's
(06:42):
fairly independent.
I feel like if she got droppedoff in the middle of a forest,
she could probably survive for,you know, 48 hours on her own at
least.
But, um, but still, I mean, shedoesn't have, she didn't have
any of the, you know, fancytools that most of us have
today, CGMs and pumps.
And, um, and like you said,Prior to this, her diabetes
(07:04):
wasn't managed very well.
So there was probably a lot thatyou both had to learn obviously
to get her, um, to, uh, a betterplace.
Um, I'm just curious, does Shehave a pumper Dexcom now?
Sarah (07:17):
She does.
So after a little bit less thana year of being with us, we were
able to get a Dexcom, which wasa huge help.
And then, um, this spring wegot, uh, So that has been a game
changer for us.
And so it was really nice thatshe knew how to do a lot, but I
(07:37):
felt like we kind of had to goin reverse a little bit because
she had been doing things wrong.
Um, and so we're at the feltlike a typical child, you would
teach them indigenous.
With their diabetes.
We had to like teach herdependence on us, um, with
diabetes and then, and then goforward.
And so, um, just things thatweren't being done correctly,
(07:58):
like we didn't use an alcoholwipe before we did a finger
stick or before we did aninsulin shot.
Katie (08:04):
Um,
Sarah (08:05):
she just had never done that.
so things like that, that wejust had to relearn, you know,
correct ways to do.
Katie (08:13):
was she pretty, pretty receptive to kind of learning
the new way and getting helpfrom you?
Sarah (08:19):
Kind of a lot of times she was like, well, I've lived
this long and it hasn't botheredme, you know?
So we kind of had to have somesit downs about how,
Katie (08:28):
I know.
Sarah (08:29):
the Lord has kept you safe for this long, but we're
going to.
Take an extra step at work inthe white, down with an alcohol
wipe just in case.
And so, um, we, we, it was alearning adjustment for a little
bit, but
Katie (08:43):
Yeah, that's such, it's so hard.
It's such a fine line of liketrying to stress to them that
this is really important and canlead to serious complications
down the line and, you know,wanting them to be educated and
motivated to take care ofthemselves, but also not just
scaring them to death.
You know what I mean?
(09:04):
I try not to use scare tacticswith my daughter, but it's just,
you know, it's so hardsometimes.
Cause you just want to be like,this is so important.
Like,
Sarah (09:12):
Yes, it's hard to find that balance.
And I think her other fosterparents hadn't always handled it
the best.
It was kind of more.
Um, she would get a differentdessert than everybody else,
that kind of thing.
And I think they had really goodintentions, she always felt
really ostracized, um, for hertype one.
And so, the other thing we dealtwith it was a little bit of an
(09:33):
adjustment was food struggles.
typically in foster care foodhoarding is a big deal, um,
because there's not enough foodin the home.
And then you add in diabeteswith that and you cut things out
because of that, uh, that was alearning adjustment too, is
we've had to work a lot on foodregulation and, um, the
(09:54):
importance of not binge eatingcertain foods, you know, or.
Katie (10:01):
Yeah.
Yeah.
I've heard, I've heard thatabout like a few of my friends
that foster, they, know, they,they say that that's typically
something they see is that, youknow, all of a sudden these not
always in a foster home, but ifsomebody is, you know, has the
means, like there's all of asudden they're presented with
all this food.
And so they'll, they'll bingeeat it.
Cause they think like they mightnever see it again.
(10:21):
Or they just don't know when thenext stable meals gonna be just
breaks my heart breaks.
Yeah, this is kind of a personalquestion, but did you, did you
guys do any type of counselingas a, as a family or did, did
Kaylin do any counseling?
Sarah (10:36):
so the girl started counseling a few months into
being with us.
I that they were going to wantthem to go into counseling when,
um, their plan changed toadoption.
And so I took the initiative andI was like, I want to find them
a good counselor.
I don't really want the fostercare system to find them a good
counselor.
so.
Knew someone and she's aChristian and has worked with
(10:57):
kids, um, and kind of a fostercare type of setting here in
Mississippi.
And so I had asked her, and soshe did counseling with the
girls weekly, and most ofKailyn's was discussing food and
diabetes.
Katie (11:11):
Yeah.
Yeah.
That's, that's probably a goodidea, especially cause she's 12
now.
So I, you know, I feel like theteenage years present problems
in, and of themselves with bodyimage and food issues, not
always, but, um, does she still,
Sarah (11:25):
parties and stuff like that, you know?
Katie (11:28):
Oh yeah, definitely.
So I'm just, I'm curious whenyou sign up to be a foster
parent, do you.
Specify whether or not you arewilling or even able to take
care of somebody with a chronicmedical condition, or is it just
all or nothing?
Sarah (11:46):
typically they'll call you for anything.
Um, there is a type of fostercare that's like more
specialized or special needs.
Um, but from what I've seen,that kind of goes more into
like, Severe disabilities typeof special needs.
Um, not really like somethinglike diabetes.
And so may I saw the other dayon a Facebook page.
I was in that they needed a homefor a three-year-old who has
(12:09):
type one.
Um, and they were just trying tolook for somebody.
And so a lot of times you'rejust thrown it overnight.
And, um, you just pray that youcan get in with a good doctor
and learn all the, all thelittle tips and tricks along the
way.
Katie (12:27):
Yeah, absolutely.
I mean, I feel like yoursituation.
I mean, we're all kind of throwninto it when you get the type
one diagnosis, but yoursituation is definitely
different because not only areyou thrown that, but you're
also, you know, you're bringingnew personalities into your
house and that's, that's hardand that's, uh, that's
definitely an adjustment foreverybody.
Are you guys still fostering?
Sarah (12:48):
Um, our CLA our house houses on what's called deferral
right now.
So we're taking like a six monthbreak because we just had a
baby.
so when we got the girls, uh, wehad been walking through and
fertility, and then it was realneat.
We.
This, I guess 2020 during COVID.
Um, I was able to have aprocedure done and got pregnant
(13:08):
and, uh, he had a baby thisspring.
So right now we're on deferral.
We fostered five kids total.
So we've kept the girls andwe've had three that have been
in and out of our home.
Um, and then we'll, we'll goback on the list, but we just
needed a little break.
Katie (13:23):
Oh, totally understand that.
First of all, congratulations,that's very
Sarah (13:26):
Thank you.
Katie (13:26):
guys just had a baby or the older girls adjusting well
to having a six month old in thehouse.
Sarah (13:32):
Oh, yes, they're all about it.
That's been great.
I told my mom, I was like, I'mspoiled because I have helpers
with the baby.
And so I don't know what it'slike to have a, you know, our
family is kind of reverse.
So we have our biological childis younger than our adopted
kids.
And so, um, I've never had todeal with a newborn phase
without having helpers around.
(13:52):
A huge blessing,
Katie (13:54):
Oh, my gosh.
Sarah (13:54):
they love, they spoil that baby way too much.
Katie (14:00):
bet.
That's so fun.
Is it?
Is the baby a boy or a girl?
Sarah (14:03):
It's a girl.
So we are full of girls, my poorhusband.
Katie (14:07):
Yeah, bless his heart.
Do you have any animals that aremales?
Sarah (14:10):
Um, we have one dog that has a male.
We have another dog is a girl.
So
Katie (14:14):
Yeah, he's definitely.
He's definitely outnumbered forsure.
Well, what, I'm just, I'mcurious about your school
situation.
Are you homeschooling them orare
Sarah (14:23):
So
Katie (14:24):
yeah.
Sarah (14:25):
yeah, we are homeschool and this year, um, so in foster
care they have to be in publicor private school.
Um, I noticed though, like herdiabetes was so much easier to
manage when we were on virtual.
COVID happened.
We went virtual and I was like,oh man, it's so much easier to
manage everything.
Cause they can get a.
Move around their sugars gogoing high or, um, so we were in
(14:47):
school.
I was a public school teacherfor five years, and then this
year we were homeschooling.
Um, so the girls Kaylin's inseventh grade and then my other
one is in fifth grade and thebaby just cheers him on
Katie (15:00):
Oh, my gosh.
I love that so much.
That's great.
Are you doing like a virtualschool?
Like a, not a, um, not like aCOVID virtual school, but like
an online virtual school or doyou have like a different
curriculum that you use?
Sarah (15:12):
We have a mixture of curriculums we use.
So I was actually homeschooled Kthrough 12, um, and always kind
of knew I wanted to homeschool.
I just went the teacher routeuntil the Lord opened up the
doors for us to do that.
it worked out cause we met ourkids that way.
Katie (15:26):
Yeah.
Sarah (15:26):
so they love it.
They love that they get donewith school early.
So they're working on schoolright now.
And then I've been kind ofchecking it up throughout the
morning, but they would use adifferent variety of.
Katie (15:37):
Okay.
Yeah.
I've man.
I went into a panic when we hadto go virtual for the pandemic,
because I just, I know thevirtual pandemic virtual is very
different than like atraditional homeschool setting.
And we just did not do well withvirtual pandemic virtual.
And there was many times.
I was messaging all myhomeschool friends.
(15:58):
Like tell me what curriculumsyou're using, because we might
be switching.
Like, I cannot do this again.
it was just hard and it wasn'tthe teacher's fault cause they
were, they didn't know what theywere doing either.
You know what I mean?
Everybody was, just thrown intoit.
Sarah (16:10):
was in like survival mode.
I feel like.
And I was like pregnant at thetime and we're trying to do
virtual and not all kids haveinternet.
And I was like, this is crazy,but
Katie (16:19):
Yeah, absolutely.
All right.
Well tell me, so, oh, well she'shome now, but, uh, I was just
going to ask about school andeverything, but that, that
doesn't apply in this situationcause she's at home and you can
just walk into the next room and
Sarah (16:32):
true.
Katie (16:32):
Yeah, that's awesome.
I feel like there's probablysome parents out there who are
considering adopting andfostering.
They already most likely have atype one in their home, but just
what of advice encouragement doyou have for anybody who's
considering that Hey guys, timefor the product feature of the
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Sarah (18:13):
my advice would be go with your gut.
And so I think that I don'tthink everybody is called to
foster or adopt.
Um, but I think that sometimes,so coming from a Christian
perspective, I think sometimesthe Lord places, something on
your heart for a reason.
So I always knew that I wantedto foster.
(18:34):
Um, and then it just grew overthe years, my husband, uh, was
not really sure about it.
He didn't know a lot about it.
And so we just had lots ofconversations and, um, when we
had walked through twomiscarriages, my sister-in-law
said maybe God's plan isdifferent from your family, for
your family.
Then yours is.
(18:54):
And we just started prayingabout it.
And then literally we startedhaving people ask us about what
about the student at school?
may need a foster family.
Could you do it?
Like, and then it ended up thatchild didn't need a home.
Um, and then we got the callabout the girls.
And so just giving your yes.
Um, even if the unknowns are alittle scary, um, there's a lot
(19:17):
of myths about foster care.
And so I just tell people to askpeople who are foster.
Um, to really get the insidescoop because a lot people
sidewalk couldn't afford it.
Um, well that's not really anissue with foster care most of
the time.
Um, there's there's ways that itcan be made affordable.
And so, yeah, be open, look atyour family situation, you know,
(19:39):
and be wise about the kids youmay already have in your own
home you're considering ages,but you can request like certain
ages, um, that would work bestfor your family.
Or you can say, Hey, we can onlytake.
So we have three girls.
Um, we have right now, we'llprobably just open back up our
home to only girls that arebelow a certain age.
Um, just to be wise consideringour own family.
(20:02):
it is, you will be blessed waymore than you bless other
people, because it is a, youjust learn a lot.
It's a humbling experience andwe love it.
We love just taking kids in andshowing them family.
Um, it's been a fun adventure.
Katie (20:16):
Yeah, gosh, you guys definitely have the heart for
it.
And, you know, when, when youwere teaching and you had Shea
in your class and you know, youjust out to your principal and
said, Hey, if girls ever need ahome, let me know.
Um, I feel like for you, itjust, the, you know, few minutes
I've been talking to you, itprobably didn't matter.
(20:36):
But did you know at the timethat Caitlin had type one.
Sarah (20:40):
I did.
I met one.
Um, and that's all I really knewwas that she had type one and,
uh, looking back, I don't thinkI realized how much of our life
it would consume, which may bethe Lord's grace.
It was a good thing that Ididn't know, you know, at the
time how severe it would be atpoints.
Um, but yeah, I knew that shehad had.
Katie (21:00):
Yeah.
I don't think anybody knows, youknow, people I see in these
social media groups, people getupset when, you know, people
that don't have to deal withtype one everyday, say things
like, oh, it's just diabetes.
Like, you know, at least it'smanageable.
Like they just, just don't know.
Like, unless you're, unlessyou're living it day in and day
out, you don't really realizethe, the amount of 24 7
(21:23):
vigilance.
It requires and, um, just tokeep things in check.
So, and I feel like, you know,the same, the same went for me
before my daughter gotdiagnosed.
I, I probably would've said thesame thing.
Like, oh, well, at least it'snot this.
Or at least it's not that.
And, um, uh, yeah, it probablywas the Lord's grace just
keeping you from knowing toomuch at the time.
Sarah (21:45):
Yes.
Yes.
That's an adjustment.
And let me tell you, when youget to the teen years, hormones
Katie (21:50):
Hmm.
Sarah (21:51):
I never thought that would be a thing.
We're walking through puberty,right.
Puberty right now.
And that has it changes, youknow, your blood sugar just will
run half for no reason.
And so we kind of have adifferent insulin schedule when
we're on our cycle than we dowhen we're not on our cycle, but
that has been something I wouldhave never thought, you know,
Katie (22:09):
Yeah.
Oh yeah.
I know, We, I had a talk aboutthat with the endocrinologist.
Last time we went, my daughter'sonly nine, but she just went
through a big growth spurt.
So the endocrinologist is askingabout like, oh, maybe this is
starting like, you know, pre,pre, pre, pre puberty.
And I was like, no way.
Um, but I feel like that'sprobably not wrong.
(22:30):
I feel like we're coming up onthose years really quickly.
And I've noticed that like, Itseems like every month, there's
a week where she'll run high.
And then right after that she'llrun low and I'm like, I bet her
body is getting ready.
for
Sarah (22:45):
ready.
Katie (22:45):
all of that.
Sarah (22:47):
We noticed that around, like, uh you'll if you have a
Dexcom, one thing that's beenreally interesting is around
like two to 3:00 AM.
Uh, we'll start to run high, sowe'll be like level all night.
Everything's great.
And then around two to three, amit just like all of a sudden
starts to spike up and that'sapparently, apparently adviser
and some hormone stuff aroundthat time and it's normal, but
(23:10):
it's crazy.
Yeah.
The, you just don't think aboutthat being an issue with that.
Katie (23:15):
I know, I know, I didn't think about half of things when
we first got diagnosed, I'mlike, oh, so pretty much every
single thing in life affectsyour blood sugar.
The way the wind is blowingthat.
day, whatever it may be.
Yes.
Yeah, absolutely.
Well, Sarah, thank you so muchfor coming on today.
I've really enjoyed chattingwith you and learning about
(23:35):
your, your story.
Is there anything else you wantto let the listeners know?
Sarah (23:41):
I think that's it.
It has been, you know, it's beena learning experience, but I
think if you're with fosteringand then also with diabetes, I
think when you're open to learnabout it, it's definitely
possible.
You know, it's, it's not, it's alittle scary at first.
Um, but then that community hasjust been huge, you know,
finding those people who supportyou and encourage you.
(24:04):
Um, that has been a game changerfor us is just not walking
through it alone.
Katie (24:10):
Yeah, absolutely.
Do you just, are you just partof support groups online or do
you guys do any sort of, youknow, support groups or JDRF or
anything else?
Local?
Sarah (24:19):
So we're in a couple of support groups online.
And then, um, just some localfriends have been huge for us,
just.
You know, thinking and checkingin on Caitlin and they make a
big deal about, you know, andshe has a sticker for her Omni
pod or, you know, things likethat, encouraging things.
Um, and then I have a fewfriends who are type ones and so
just really reaching out to themand, there's such a need for
(24:41):
good foster families too.
And so on the foster care front,you know, there's, I don't know
about every state, but inMississippi, there's such a need
for foster families you know,their kids are needing
placements left and right.
And so.
Um, just that encouragement, youknow, that you can do it and,
uh, listen, listen to that innerpush that you feel.
Katie (25:05):
Yeah, I have you heard of the Isaiah one 17.
Sarah (25:09):
No.
Katie (25:10):
Okay.
You'll have to look that up.
It's started in Tennessee andthe lady's name that set
started.
It is escaping my brain at themoment.
Um, I'm gonna look it up reallyquickly, Okay, her name is
Rhonda Paulson.
So the it's I love her story.
When you were telling, talkingabout your husband, like not
(25:31):
being.
Super sure about whether or notfostering was the right thing
for you guys.
I was thinking about her becauseshe has the most hilarious story
about how she, she just feltreally called to foster and
possibly even adopt.
And she brought it up to herhusband and he was like,
Absolutely not.
And so of course she startedpraying about it.
(25:51):
And anyway, long story short,she like tricked him in to going
to like, not even like a meetingabout fostering.
It was like, she signed them upfor the class to become foster
parents.
And he, he went and was totallyso mad about it.
And then, but at the end he'slike, well, now that I've gone
(26:12):
and heard what I've heard, likeI, can't not.
Do this.
So they finished the wholecourse.
They ended up fostering.
You know, again, very longstory, but she started, what's
called the Isaiah one 17 house,which is a, they're building one
in my city right now, which Ithink is awesome.
But it's like a, it's like asafe home for kids that are
taken, that are removed fromtheir own home and are getting,
(26:34):
are waiting, awaiting placementin the foster care system.
And they rather than having tosit in the social workers.
They can go and sit in like it,or just be in this house with a
hot shower and a hot meal andtoys and a bed.
And they can wait there ratherthan in like a cold, a cold, a
social worker offices.
(26:54):
So
Sarah (26:55):
That's huge.
I actually, I have a picture ofour girls from, that had been
sent to me by my coworker whoalerted me when they needed a
new foster home.
And they were sitting in theoffice and she said they had
texted her.
And they were like, we don'tknow where we're going to go.
I guess nobody wants us, youknow, cause it is, it's hard for
them.
They were removed from that homethat foster parent, um, had
(27:15):
called him.
Like, I really need them to goahead and move tomorrow.
And I think she just kindawanted to rip the bandaid off
and it was, it was a good fosterhome.
They just knew it wasn't bepermanent.
And it was the day afterChristmas, you know?
So they got, they got all theirChristmas gifts the day before,
and then 26, they found out thatthe place that they thought they
(27:37):
were going to be at, you know,they'd been there for over a
year.
Um, they were going to have toleave a little bit, so they
just, yeah.
Hung out in the foster careoffice, hoping that they would
have somewhere to go.
And so.
It's hard, you know, and thenfor those, I was thinking about
this when you were asking what Icould tell other people.
I think, you know, if you're ina place and you can't foster, I
(27:58):
think looking at what can youdo?
You know, as, as a foster FA youknow, to support foster families
and for us, huge things havebeen just like meals, that
people bring, especially whenyou get a placement, um, Close a
lot of times the kids come withnothing.
So our girls have been in fostercare for a while, stayed a fair
amount, but I mean, we gotanother placement and he came
(28:20):
with nothing except for what hewas wearing.
Um, and that's a lot to have tocome up with overnight.
And so I don't think everyone iscalled to be foster parents, but
I do think that is called tohelp out.
Orphans, which is basically whatfoster kids are, you know, and,
(28:40):
and support those families ishuge.
You know, don't underestimatetaking a pizza to somebody.
Katie (28:46):
Yeah, absolutely.
that's another thing that thisIsaiah one 17 house does, is it,
it takes donations from thecommunity.
And so they've got diapers andfood and clothes for these kids
when they come into the house.
And Yeah.
so they're not.
They might be coming in withnothing, but they're not leaving
with nothing.
So it's pretty awesome.
You should look it up.
I think they're, yeah, they'respreading.
(29:09):
It's pretty new.
I think she just started it likea couple of years ago.
Um, so it's kind of slowlyspreading across the country,
but yeah, they're um, the onethat they're building in my city
just got, um, funded.
So they're, they're going tostart the construction process
and we've been helping out alittle bit, not.
And there's, you know, there'sno house to volunteer in yet,
(29:30):
but we've just been helping outwith like fundraising and stuff
like that, because, well, Idon't know that my family is
called to foster, at least notat this point in time.
I definitely yeah.
Feel the, the nudge to help insome way.
so it's been a good way for usto get involved in that.
Well, Sarah, thank you again.
I've loved chatting with you.
(29:50):
You have such a calm, demeanor.
Sarah (29:53):
Thank you.
Katie (29:54):
You're welcome.
Sarah (29:56):
I think the Lord has had to prepare that.
So my husband and I, we laughbecause we're 28 and 26 and we
have a 12 year old and 11 yearold and a six month old and
setting the girls have been withus like a week.
And my husband was like, feellike I've aged 10 years.
Katie (30:09):
Yeah.
Sarah (30:10):
And we just, you know, we just have, and it's fine.
We, I feel like I have such aneat relationship with the
girls, you know, because we'reso close in age, but
Katie (30:18):
Yeah.
Sarah (30:18):
I don't mind chatting anytime.
Katie (30:20):
Yeah.
Okay.
Well, thanks.
If I have any other, any otherfostering questions, I'll
definitely reach out or type onebecause I've got a girl that's
coming up on our teen years.
So I'm going to need the adviceof the moms that have come
before me.
So
Sarah (30:31):
Oh,
Katie (30:32):
I'm actually going to do a teen series starting at the
first of the year, uh, after thefirst of the year, I've got a
teen series coming out.
Sarah (30:38):
it.
She turns 13 December 3rd.
So that'd be
Katie (30:41):
Ooh, yes, girl tune in.
All right.
So you have a fabulous.
Sarah (30:47):
Thank you.
Katie (30:50):
That is it for our show today.
And Sarah, I just want to thankyou so much again for coming on.
I really loved hearing yourstory.
Thank you so much for sharingit.
You are truly such aninspiration to parents in
general and the type onecommunity also listeners.
Don't forget if you want to beon the show.
If you think you'd make a greatguest and have a story to tell,
then contact me.
(31:11):
You can emailme@sugarmommaspodcastatgmail.com
or you can head on over to theweb.
At www dot sugar, mommaspodcast.com and click on the
contact tab.
There's a short form to fill outand it will send an email
directly to me.
Let me know.
I'd love to chat.
Don't forget to subscribe to theshow.
(31:31):
You can easily do that on thewebsite, and don't forget to
spread the word.
Share with.
If this episode or this podcasthas been encouraging to you, let
others know about it, share itwith your friends, with your
online support groups, with yourendocrinologist.
Whoever's willing to listenabout the world of type one.
All right.
You guys have a fabulous week.
We're coming up on the holidays.
I mean, we've already done oneholiday, right?
(31:53):
Halloween's out of the way.
We've just got Thanksgiving andChristmas to go chat with you
soon.
Bye.
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