Our "baby" Coga was diagnosed with diabetes in May of this year. Shortly thereafter she had the courage to stick with a bet she made with me to return to studying martial arts. While we had previously studied in a more casual program at a local municipal center, we stopped one year ago when the kids had lost interest. This year I swore to return to a program that was much more structured and close by.

Coga and I had cut a deal that if she returned with me, I'd think about getting her a cell phone. And then this whole diabetes thing happened. And not only did she follow through on the deal, I got her a phone before her first class (so she can call in to us her blood glucose numbers from school) and her little brother joined in too.

And to her credit she went to three classes a week all Summer and was rewarded for her commitment by being invited to double test (take the belt test for two belts together). And her little brother came along for the ride as well.

Most days Coga feels crappy at some point; headaches when she's running high, shakes when running low. But she doesn't complain, never cries, and she now outranks me in Taekwondo.

Just a little great news for everyone who must walk this same path with me.