The Sweeter Treat

By Reece Ohmer, high school sophomore living with T1D since 2009

With Valentine’s Day quickly approaching, I thought I’d share my opinion about the holiday of love.

I have been living with T1D since I was eight years old, and I can’t remember a time when I didn’t have to constantly check my blood sugar levels, monitor my food intake, and set the correct dosage of insulin.

Reece Ohmer, now a high schooler

With that being said, I vividly remember every Valentine’s Day as a child. I grew up in a household that believed in the saying ‘kid first, diabetes second’ and this has truly become the mantra of my life.

Valentine’s Day was no exception. I was able to enjoy all the festivities and parties (as well as yummy treats) that any other kid living without T1D was able to partake in. I do remember my mom and Miss Dawn, my school aide, buzzing around but only to make sure that I was treated equally in every regard. The kid that got the chocolate lollipop coated in extra sugar balls? Yes, there was one for me too.

Reece in elementary school

The funny thing about parties in elementary school is that they all revolved around food, specifically pizza. I remember having to pay extra attention to my BGs on these days, but even still, I enjoyed that gross, greasy cheese pizza with all the other kids. It may not have been good but I did it anyway- mostly because I could.

During the party, you were also allowed to pass out Valentine’s to the class, just as long as every child received one. Most of these Valentine’s consisted of an attached candy or food item. To be different, I always passed out cool, non-food Valentine’s to the class. I remember getting all this candy and not eating any of it. Not because I couldn’t eat it, but just the fact that I had the sweets in my possession was enough to make me smile. Ironically, the kids that received my Valentine’s felt special to get something that wasn’t super generic. One year, I passed out miniature bottles of bubbles. In minutes, the room looked magical with little tiny bubbles floating around the classroom. I felt like a rock star.

Reece has been living with T1D since 2009. She truly is a T1D Hero!

Looking back at my elementary days, as I am now in high school, I realized that I don’t remember the specific food or the candy that was given during the parties, I only remember the fun activities the class did together or the new adventure that my classmates explored.

It’s a bit ironic that our school created a holiday that revolved around eating, when in reality the only thing I remember from Valentine’s Day as a kid is the crafts we made and the party the class had. For me, Valentine’s Day was about playing games and being with the people you really cared about. I’m certain that I will carry that feeling of love and friendship throughout life.

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5 Responses to The Sweeter Treat

  1. Amy says:

    Well said, Reece!

  2. Mrs. Loukotka says:

    As your former 5th grade teacher, you will always be someone I have looked up to, since we first met. You taught me to look at life in a whole new way. Knowing that my type 2 diabetes was right there in front of me. You along with your sister and family showed me how amazing life can, and is, living with diabetes. Your insight to life, and perception of those around you, is a gift that you so often share with others. I know you will be an incredible success at whatever you choose to do in life…. So reach high my little fifth grader, as I will cherish forever the time we spent together in grade 5! ❤️

    • Reece Ohmer says:

      Mrs. Loutkotka,

      Your kind words have left me in such a great mood today! Your positive outlook on life is such an encouragement to me and to everyone you meet! Hope you have an amazing Valentine’s Day!

      Thank you for everything,
      Reece ❤

  3. Terri Keppler says:

    Reece,

    So eloquently stated, Reece. You are beautiful inside and out and the way you and your whole family approach T1D is admirable. It does not define you even though you deal with it daily handling it with grace, and a smile. I can’t believe how grown up you are. You have already made an impression on this earth and I know you will continue to make a difference! Love you and your family!!

    • Reece Ohmer says:

      Mrs. Keppler,

      Thank you so much! I know I can always count on you to leave me in such an encouraging mood. Your kindness and generosity means the world to me! I hope your Valentine’s Day was full of love and happiness!

      Thank you again,
      Reece ❤

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