Growing up

My beautiful Jayd is 12 now and growing up so fast. She has had such a rough road that I can't help but brag. When she was 7 she was diagnosed with A.D.D. but I refused medication because honestly it just wasn't to the point that I could justify the need for life long meds. SO instead we chose a more natural approach of diet adjustment and organized, structured home life. And it did help. She has struggled in school and has been offered additional education outside of the classroom. But she wasn't held back by it, it didn't stop her from flourishing.
ON her 12 birthday after months of her being sick with stomach flu like symptoms she was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. The doctors have no explanation because she is so active. She is on the swim team swimming 6-12 hours a week! But her body just isn't processing sugars like it should be. So now we are forced to do further diet adjustments to basically remove all sugars from her diet. It has been hard but we are doing what we must for her. And truthfully all of us. I have lost 18lbs. and she has 10. Her stomach problems are still there if she doesn't eat right but it is far less then it was and if need be we will be putting her on life long meds. something I have fought so hard to not do.
through all these struggles she has still thrived and succeeded in school, nothing will hold her back. She is on the principles list with a G.P.A. of 3.63 and the teachers say just a joy to have in class and treats everyone with equal respect. I am so proud of who she is becoming and all her accomplishments. We have let nothing hold her down and told her that while it might be a little harder for her there is no reason to strive for anything but the best in her life. And she is! She might spend more time on her homework and she might not be able to eat all the cake and candy at her friends birthday parties but she is still enjoying everything that is offered to her.
I have been told by some other parents that I am to hard on her and expecting all A's out of someone with a learning disabiltiy is setting her up for failure and to them I say not expecting 100% from her is what is going to set her up for failure. If we don't expect our children to reach for the stars they are never going to believe that skies are the limit. We must believe in our children in order for them to have the confidence to strive for success. Without our faith in them they will never have faith in themselves.