“Book Buddies” is a program in my children’s school where older kids get paired up with younger kids and they spend time each week reading together. Lila is in kindergarten, Caleb is in 2nd grade and Colin is in 5th. Lila’s class is paired with a 4th grade class, which to her delight includes a certain love interest of hers, though she is not paired with him as boys are matched with boys and girls with girls.
Caleb knew his class was pairing with a 5th grade class and was disappointed to learn it wouldn’t be with his brother’s. Oh well.
It had been a more challenging than normal D week at school. I stopped by on Friday to pick up something PTO related, and bumped into the school nurse, Mrs. M. She did as she normally does – talked to me about Caleb’s day, encouraged me, told me how well he handles things – she’s such a blessing. She went on to tell me that something very exciting happened earlier in the day, but she wanted to let Caleb tell me. She described how absolutely ecstatic he was, describing his smile and elation. Whatever is was, it was big news, because she couldn’t say enough about how thrilled Caleb was. She let me guess and somehow I got close enough to force her to reveal the news. It brought me to tears. I’ll let Caleb tell you:
After a fews days of emotional lows, this was a particularly poignant high. The moments when diabetes actually makes Caleb happy, and to this depth of happiness, are few. I cannot thank Caleb’s and David’s teachers enough for seeing this opportunity, seizing it and making this “Buddy” change. This will be one of those moments that I know will stick with me, and I’m pretty sure with Caleb as well.
As far as being disappointed about not being paired with his big brother, well that’s completely forgotten. He can read with Colin any old day.
This is Caleb... 
Awesome! Brought me to tears also. Oh, how I wish Camden wasn’t alone at his school.
That’s awesome! I know how great it feels to hang out with other T1s. To be able to just read or bike or eat, and know that someone else is doing the same internal checks and math calculations even if you don’t talk about it is huge. And then, of course, you do talk about it and you confirm that you’re not alone. Yay!
that would bring me to tears too!!!…Caleb looks like he is on cloud 9…and 10…and 11…hahahaha!!!
you captured it so well!!…and wrote about it well too…a poignant high…yes.
Hehehehe…so fricken cute. It’s awesome how excited he is.
How lovely and I love that he got to tell me himself! There are moments of magic in this huh?!!!
OMG!! Caleb is hilarious. It was like watching Caleb’s head on Joe’s body. Joe does those cool, goofy moves too; with his head, the peace signs, etc.
I am so happy for this opportunity for him. What a treat to be paired up with someone who really gets a part of him that not many do. Tell Caleb “hi” from Joe and I. Joe liked the video as well!
Have a great weekend Lorraine.
What a nice way to start off my morning! Your story made me smile, and Caleb’s 7-ear-old enthusiasm made me laugh. Thanks!
What a character!
That is very cool for Caleb. I know Q has a little bond between her and the older girl at her school who has diabetes.
Did you already know about this other child?
Dude is such a ham I am cracking up! OMG, I had no idea there was another T1 at KSI. He must have come from MRI. That is SO incredibly cool that the teachers put those two together. Wow! So amazing how something like that can just make his day! I really don’t get where Caleb gets his energy from – you and Dave are such laid back people – I cannot imagine either of you running in and playing air guitar and swaying back and forth – well, I take that back – I have seen Dave play charades!!!
Awesome! I sure wish I had 1/3 of Caleb’s energy 🙂
What an amazing moment, and it is so wonderful that you captured it on video! Thank you for sharing, it brought tears to my eyes and a smile to my face. 🙂
Awesome!!! I just love good teachers. 🙂 And Caleb is so adorable!
Lorraine this totally made my day too! His big smile and the way he couldn’t keep still for happiness and that fabulous fidgety joy they get where everything is a FULL BODY EXPERIENCE!! What a great thing to happen (and it sounds like you needed it). Way to go ,Caleb.
Hmm….looks like he’s a little low on energy. =)
This made me smile. I love how animated he was. He reminded me of Jack. I showed the video to Jack, and he said, “That’s really cool that he got paired with another kid with diabetes.” I think it’s cool, too! So happy for Caleb! 🙂
The news made me smile but not as much as the dancing wiggly excited talking that is the EXACT reason I haven’t put videos of Liam up on my blog. Love it!
What an awesome Book Buddy pairing!!! And what I wouldn’t give for a fraction of Caleb’s energy. LOL
How much do I love Caleb? SO MUCH!
He is so funny! I wish I had some of that energy – holy cow!!
That is so great!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
awww how cute!!!
Lorraine, I’m way behind, but this video made me smile and cry all at once. I loved it! LOVED IT! I could see Ryan reacting the same way. Thanks for sharing Caleb. What a joy!