The Diabetic Problem
Tuesday, February 12, 2013 at 8:00AM 
Arden's Cover Page
It seems that this is the day. Arden asked us last week if she could post something that she wrote at school on Arden's Day. After some serious consideration, we said yes. The following is Arden's 3rd grade writing project. Her assignment was to write a piece of Realistic Fiction, a story that could feasible happen. Be sure to read Arden's Author's Note (Her words, she actually said, "I want to write an author's note after my story) that follows the story.
'The Diabetic Problem' by Arden Benner
Ever since Emme's doctor told her she had diabetes she changed. Now she always had to test her blood sugar. She has to give herself insulin and when someone asked what she was doing, she always had to tell them. She was getting TIRED of it! The worst part of all, some kids even made fun of her! She did not want to test her blood sugar anymore or give insulin to herself. But what would she do about her diabetes... What would she do?
She went to school the one day and decided to sit at the "cool" table. She did not test her blood sugar or give herself insulin. In the middle of lunch she passed out on the cafeteria floor! One of the girls that always picked on her, Mackenzie, went for help. Emme went right to the hospital. She woke up the next morning and her whole family was there. She saw something in the corner of her eye. She looked to her right and saw the girl that helped her when she passed out.
Emme looked straight at her and said, "Thank you". The girl looked right back at her and replied, "you're welcome", then the girl gave Emme a hug. Emme asked, "why did you help me, you hardly know me?"
"I may not know you but I've been through this before, my dad has diabetes" replied the girl. "Just last week my dad had a scary incident like you did in the cafeteria".
"Really", replied Emme. The girl hugged her again.
The next morning Emme woke up surrounded by her family. She had a great idea and said, "Maybe we should all go into school including Mackenzie and... TELL THEM WHAT DIABETES IS"
Everyone thought that was a great idea and so they all went to school that day.
Now they know what it means. They asked so many questions. How did you get diabetes? Is there a certain reason that you have it? Why do you have it when no one else in your family does?
"All I know is diabetes choose me... I didn't choose diabetes", Emme responded.
From that day on her classmates were a lot nicer to her.
Author's Note: Hi this is Arden. I am going to tell you a little more about my story. This story was kind of based on my life, but I have never been treated this way. I want to thank my dad for making this blog and for telling the kids in my school about diabetes so that I don't get treated poorly like the girl in my story. You should not read this story and think that it was just cute and kind. I think this story is more about how nice my family is and how well they treat and help me. I want to thank my dad Scott, my mom Kelly and even my brother Cole for taking such good care of me. Thank you. - Arden Benner
Emme and Mackenzie
Scott Benner
Thank you to everyone in the DOC for all of the great support today. Blue Jays Pitcher Brandon Marrow even 'pitched' in!
Reader Comments (11)
Oh sweet girl!! The author's note speaks volumes--way to go mom and dad!! Arden, you are an amazing writer!! I think your writing will help little girls like mine understand diabetes better! Thanks for sharing- (mom to a 2year old with diabetes. I also used to teach elementary school for 10 years-- so I know fabulous 3rd grade writing when I see it!!)
oh. my. god. I can't decide if I'm overwhelmed with cute or so, so sad that a young girl can even know about thing like this. Diabetes robs us of our innocence.
I choose cute :)
Oh Miss Arden. I think you have your Dad's gift with words.
Way to go Arden! I loved your story. Education is key, and I hope by sharing your story is will get more people to learn more about Diabetes. Keep up the writing!
What a great story, and an even better author's note.
Our CWD certainly have to mature fast, and do things that many children don't have to. I love how she shows that educating those around you can both help you in times of need, and make things a lot easier for a child when they feel so different.
Excellent job!
Your story brought tears to my eyes Arden. As the mom to a 7 year old daughter with T1D, I always appreciate hearing about other kids experiences, feelings, challenges, and successes that I can share with her. We both really like your story...well done!
Sign that girl up! What a great story. It definitely makes me say a great big, "aaawwwwhhhh". She's so sweet in even remembering to thank her big brother. Way to go, Arden!
Arden: You are a storyteller at heart! Love reading your story... and LOVE the explanation you gave about it. Thank you for writing it, and telling this story about how nice some people can be when it matters most and how D-education is so important!
Arden has read all of your responses and she is thinking about what she wants to say in response to your wonderful comments and support.
I would like to personally say that you are the greatest group of people that I've ever had the pleasure of knowing... Much love to the DOC!
Scott
Arden, I loved your story. I think you captured the heart of your assignment - you were able to tell a realistic fiictional story and you told it as a true storyteller. Teachers, authors, expert storytellers of all kinds say writers should write about what they know. You've showed that you know about what it's like to be a 3rd grader who has to deal with diabetes in school, and to try to fit in with the other kids, and what it's like to be sick of dealing with diabetes. Best of all, you did it so well. Whatever you do, keep on writing! Thank you for sharing your story with us.
All I can say is Wow!