October 31st

Our big day has almost arrived! We have less than 24 hours to go! We are excited! Jack's Pack shirts and goody bags have been distributed. Team directions have been sent. The only thing left to do is charge the camera batteries and load the van with our stroller, wagon and other Walk day essentials. I can't decide whether the kids are more excited about the Walk or about Halloween. They are looking forward to seeing all sorts of friends and relatives at the Walk. It will be like a party for them, and in many ways, it is a celebration, a joyous tribute to Jack and our hopes for his future, not to mention the culmination of another successful fundraising campaign. It will also be a time to connect with many of our beloved D friends. Then, tomorrow night will bring costumes, candy and more friends and fun. What a great day it will be! Many people have asked how we handle Halloween with Jack. We feel strongly that just because Jack has type 1 diabetes, it doesn't mean he can't partake in October 31st festivities. He will dress up, this year as Luke Skywalker, trick-or-treat and then come home to sort through his loot and snack on Skittles, Twizzlers, a Snickers bar or whatever he fancies. Of course, we'll test his blood sugar, limit his candy intake and give him insulin accordingly. And then all three of our kids will trade in their candy for presents that they picked out a few weeks ago at Toys R Us. They can not wait to get their gifts. We'll save some favorite candies for low blood sugar episodes and late-night sweet tooth cravings. (Mine and Gregg's! There's no better snack at 10pm than a Reese's peanut butter cup, if you ask me!). Then, Gregg will take their remaining candy into work and let his coworkers enjoy it. Or we'll send it with my mom to her office. The past two years, we have been very lucky on Halloween. Jack's blood sugars have remained in a good range, despite his excitement, running through the neighborhood and carb-laden treats. Knock on wood, tomorrow will be another happy, healthy Halloween. We hope all of you enjoy October 31st as much as we will!