What is type 1 diabetes? or Does God Wear Shoes?

[Allison Porter]

This afternoon, as my three year old Lyra was getting her shoes on to go for a ride on her bicycle, she sweetly looked up at me and asked, "Mommy, does God wear shoes?" I thought about it and realized that it was a really good question. I have no idea, I thought to myself. After considering all the options, I let her know it was a great question, and that I did not know. As soon as she got her shoes on, she excitedly proceeded to get her helmet on, jump on her bike and pedal.

Lyra was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at ten months old after being in a coma for several days. She has undoubtedly had more experience with God than I have. I believe she is heaven sent..... twice.

Type 1 diabetes results from autoimmune destruction of insulin-producing beta cells of the pancreas. The subsequent lack of insulin leads to increased blood and urine glucose. It is fatal unless treated with insulin. methods of delivering insulin include injection and insulin pumps.

There are many research organizations working on a cure. The Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF) is the major charitable organization in the United States devoted to type 1 diabetes research. JDRF's mission is to cure type 1 diabetes and its complications through the support of research. In November 2008, JDRF launched an online social network for people with type 1 diabetes: Juvenation.

I wonder about Lyra's path in life, and certainly have faith that she has many guardian angels cheering for her along her way. Along our path together, I have wondered many things about God, karma, Spirit, a life's Journey. I draw spiritual strength from many faiths and traditions, and still I wonder if God wears shoes, or even has feet. I do not pretend to know.

What I do know and sense deeply is that the absolute beauty of life, even within the challenges that we face is always available. Grace is in between the knowing and wondering, and it is always here when we can take the moment to notice it.