Tales of Serendipity: Rediscovering Memories, 3D-Printed Knobs, and Sweet Gestures (Episode 11)
Do you ever take a moment to appreciate the serendipitous moments life throws your way?
In this episode, host Lisa Brooks takes us on a journey of unexpected twists and turns in one of her days. From rediscovering long-forgotten high school memories on VHS tapes, to a chance encounter at a local library that leads to a surprising 3D-printed solution for a cherished typewriter, to small gestures of kindness, the day unfolds with discoveries of the extraordinary in the ordinary.
Breaking Free from Routine: The Oil Change Epiphany (Episode 10)
We each have our own habits and routines. How often do we stop to examine whether they are actually the best way to complete any given task?
In this episode, host Lisa Brooks shares about her ongoing frustration related to taking her car to the dealership for routine maintenance. Her frustration drives her to question why we cling to habits that cause us stress.
Sentiment to Sales: The Ice Cream Truck Negotiation Tale (Episode 8)
Do you have items from your past that hold sentimental value, even if they're collecting dust in the corner?
In this episode, host Lisa Brooks opens up about a parenting challenge many of us can relate to – the sentimentality attached to old toys.
The Power of Backup Plans: Lessons from a Wild Day (Episode 7)
Do you always have a backup plan?
In this episode, host Lisa Brooks takes us through how she managed a day filled with unexpected twists and turn, delving into how to build up the skills to manage challenging situations so you can remain grounded and prepared no matter what life throws your way.
Guilt and Gratitude: Parenting through Complexities (Episode 6)
Have you ever walked a mile in another parent’s shoes?
In this episode, host Lisa Brooks delves into her mixed emotions after attending the final home and school club meeting of the year. Along with deep gratitude towards the dedicated parents who volunteer their time, Lisa wrestles with feelings of guilt and inadequacy.
Celebrating Diaversaries: A Journey of Resilience and Reflection (Episode 5)
Ever heard of a “diaversary”?
In this episode of the “Perspectives from a Pomegranate” podcast, host Lisa Brooks reflects on her son's upcoming diaversary, a term that refers to the anniversary of being diagnosed with diabetes.
Why the Pomegranate: Embracing the Unconventional Nature of Unstoppable Seeds (Episode 4)
Picture this: a dinner table conversation surrounded by Lisa's foster family, discussing the unlikely question of what fruit each person would be.
In this episode of “Perspectives from a Pomegranate,” host Lisa Brooks shares the intriguing connection between her podcast and the enigmatic pomegranate.
Epinephrine Injectors Don't Always Work
Epinephrine injectors don’t always work. Yes, that’s what I said. Let it sink in. Epinephrine injectors don’t always work. This blog post was inspired by a post from a mom, Misty Gardner, in a food allergy support group. Her son just had a severe reaction during an accidental exposure to dairy and wound up in the Intensive Care Unit. Fortunately he is okay, but I was so moved by her experience and desire to educate others that I reached out to ask if I could share her story more broadly.
Defining Acceptable Risk For Our Children
Being a parent is tough for a lot of reasons. One of them is the worry most of us have about something bad happening to our children. We live in an age of school shootings and other tragedies. For those of us whose kids have life-threatening health conditions or other special needs, that risk can weigh heavily on our minds.
"I'm Not Afraid of Low Blood Sugars" - Did I Just Say That?
Yes, I actually said, “I’m not afraid of low blood sugars.” And I said it to our new prospective endocrinologist! The words kept rolling around in my head the rest of the day. Is that true??? Sort of. I now have what I’d consider a healthy respect for: the nuances of diabetes, how quickly things can change, and the immediate action required to prevent or manage a low blood sugar.
Travel With Food Allergies And Type 1 Diabetes
That title sounds daunting even as I write it. But I’m here to tell you: you can travel with food allergies and Type 1 diabetes. It took me awhile to wrap my head around traveling anyway. We started small and worked our way into being more comfortable incorporating adventure into our lives.
Six Things I Wish Someone Had Told Me At Type 1 Diabetes Diagnosis
One of my closest friends in the diabetes community called tonight. Her colleague’s child was showing all of the “classic” signs of Type 1 diabetes, so she had done a finger stick on the child. The result was 212. We both know that is not a “normal” blood sugar, and combined with everything else we had heard, a diagnosis is likely forthcoming. She asked me to think about good advice for her colleague. Here’s what I wish someone had told me when my son was diagnosed.
Sometimes I Just Have To laugh...Or I'd Spend All Day Crying
The first three hours of my day were absolute chaos. Sometimes you just have to laugh it off though or we’d end up crawling back into bed in a soggy pool of tears. Here’s how it went.
Meet Our Version Of Type 1 Diabetes
Just like no two people are the same, neither are two people with Type 1 diabetes. What works for one person may or may not work for another. I’m going to share what has worked for us, and sometimes what hasn’t.
The Light At The End Of The Tunnel Is Not A Train!
The Light At The End Of The Tunnel Is Not A Train!
Severe Cashew Reaction
My son has his first reaction to cashews at 17 months of age. His reaction was very severe. He already had severe milk and egg allergies. I remember walking through the grocery store in a daze, looking at labels and wondering how to safely feed my son.
At this moment I feel a sense of hope about 2018...
Being the parent of a child with chronic health issues has been described as unrelenting, exhausting, and isolating. I’m sleep-deprived beyond anything I could ever have imagined. Most days I barely recognize the person I was a few years ago, and the life I lived seems as if it wasn’t even mine. But small acts of kindness can turn your whole perspective around…