Childcare for Tate

Any parents that work outside of the home and have children that aren't in school yet, know what a nightmare finding good childcare can be.  With Tate, we have been truly blessed.

About 18 years ago, I was coaching JV softball at Loveland High School.  That is where I first met Tate's babysitter, Danielle.  She was a freshman or sophomore on my team.  I only coached one year, so after that, we kept in touch a little bit for a little while.  But years went by with no communication or contact.  Then we reconnected on facebook when I was pregnant with Tate.  I noticed that she had in home childcare.  I asked if she would be interested in watching Tate.  Of course, she said yes.

Since day one, we have been nothing but happy with Danielle.  Tate loves her and loves going to her house.  When we found out that Tate had Diabetes, one of my first thoughts was how would Danielle be able to do this.  It took a little while for me to process the idea that she might not do it at all.  Then I became terrified!!!  However, I don't think she ever even considered not continuing watching him.  While we were in the hospital, she came to see him and to learn a little bit about his diabetes and what to do.  The nurses were so impressed and commented on how lucky we were to have someone who cared so much about him.  They said they don't see that happen very often.

Over the next two weeks Brian and I took turns staying home with Tate until my 2 week Christmas break.  That would give us a month to figure this out and teach Danielle.  She came to our house and spent hours with us counting carbs, measuring insulin, learning how to give shots, where to give shots, how to hold him so he stays still, going through the "what-ifs..."  By January 5th, when I returned to work, she was ready. I was so nervous.  I told her how I felt and assured her that I wasn't nervous because it was her, but just because it wasn't me. It is so scary to hand your baby off to anyone under these circumstances.

It has almost been a month that he has been back to Danielle's house.  She has done an amazing job.  She texts me every time she checks his glucose level and every time he eats.  She tells me what she is going to do.  She always knows what to do.  ALWAYS!  I am so blessed.  I can't even put into words how I feel.  God is so good to us.

I believe God puts people in our lives for a reason.  Sometimes we will never know the reason.  I know why God put her in my life 18 years ago.  She is here for Tate.  She loves him as her own child.  She would do anything for him...ANYTHING!  It doesn't get any better than that!

So, our blessing is Danielle.  Thank you God for placing her in our lives!  We will forever be grateful!  Thank you, Danielle!  We love you, and will forever be grateful to you, too!