Trey Bagwell

When we started this T1D journey over a year ago, I knew we would meet people who were on the same ride as we were.  I befriended people on Facebook that people had told me about and I knew that I wasn't alone - even though it felt like I was.  I have asked these fellow mom's for some advice along the way and then I found that MOD's Facebook group of over 7,000 other mom's who go through the same struggles I do on a daily basis and they've brought me great comfort, advice and just a place I could go to and vent without being judged or questioned.

I had always hoped that some day I would be able to change someone's life and that someday I would be the one giving out advice.  As I've preached - I want to educate others to help the world understand what Type 1 Diabetes really is and how it affects EVERYTHING in your life.  

Then this 18 year old kid from Arizona joins our local hockey team and my life changed.  

(I honestly don't even know how to put it into words. I'll try my best.)

Trey Bagwell.  18 year old hockey player.  Born in Arizona to Robert and Betty Bagwell.  Dad is a EMT and mom is a RN.  Diagnosed with T1D at age 13.  Continued to play hockey and was traded from the Wenatchee Wild to the Aberdeen Wings in October - just as my own Trey begins his first year as a Termite hockey player.   Trey Bagwell shoots left, loves golf, is a little goofy, has a big soft heart, and undoubtedly, was brought into my life for a reason.  

Since October, we have been in touch with one another about diabetes related things.  He's been like a big brother to Treyster.  As of late, he's been like a son to me.  

You see, I thought Trey Bagwell coming to Aberdeen was for my Treyster.  I thought the coincidences were just too much and that he was here to inspire my Trey and show him that even though you have T1D, you can fulfill your dreams.  While I still believe this, I'm realizing that Trey Bagwell has changed ME.  

I watch Trey on the ice, on the bench, and in the stands.  I watch for T1 symptoms.  When he leaves the bench during a game, I know he's checking sugar.  When I see the trainer grab her phone and say something to him and he nods, I know she just told him what his CGM number is reading. When I see him eating something I cross my fingers that it's not Laffy Taffy but instead, almonds.  When he walks by us at the Wings game with a plate of food, he smiles and says, "I'm going to dose now." As he knows what this T1 mom is thinking.  

Trey Bagwell showed up at Treyster's 6th birthday party.  Treyster invited him the Friday before the party and I told him, 'Don't be upset if he doesn't come buddy." Seeing my Treyster run up to Bagwell and give him a huge hug and say, "TREEEYYYY!" Melted my heart as Bags hugged him back and gave him a huge smile.  They made up a handshake, Bags helped Trey bowl every single time up, they played a game of pool, Bag's took his photo with the rest of the 6 year old party goers.  And let me tell you - it all felt so normal.  For two hours, Bagwell hung out with all these kids and he fit right in.  

You see, to me, Trey Bagwell isn't just a Wings hockey player, he is my son.  I know, it sounds weird and maybe even a little creepy.  Let me try to explain further.  

Bagwell and I discuss T1 things in depth.  We hash over carb counts, discuss insulin dosages, talk about highs/lows and what foods have been consumed.  I've ordered different patches to help him with his CGM sticking on and he's asked my opinion about developing a diabetic 'box' to keep supplies in.  He trusts me.  He can relate to me.  There isn't anyone else in Aberdeen that he can go to that understands what he goes through.  Without a doubt, we have bonded.  He knows I am looking out for him and he knows he can come to me when he needs T1D help.  

I've discussed this before, but now I have spoken with both Bob and Betty as well as Trey and have expressed my openness for Trey to live with us next year if he returns to the Wings.  I don't want Trey Bagwell to live with me so I can say "I have a Wings player" but rather so I can say, "I' have Trey Bagwell and I'm helping him get his nutrition on point to keep him as healthy as he can be." And if that makes him a better hockey player in the long run, that's fantastic.  

When I hear of the things he is eating - I cringe.  He is a 19 year old young man, but I need him to be an inspiration to my boy and eating Laffy Taffy, drinking Gatorade and telling me, "I'll dose" isn't the right way to go about it.  I hope I get the chance to help him.  

God sent Trey Bagwell.  For me and for Trey.  And maybe, just maybe, for Trey Bagwell too.  Maybe he needed someone to understand and look out for him.  Maybe he needed to have a little boy with T1D look up to him and make a video calling him out on his eating habits.  Maybe Bagwell is supposed to help Trey with his hockey while Trey is supposed to help Bagwell with his nutrition. And I'm just the mom to two Trey's, who play hockey, shoot left, love golf, have huge hearts, dark brown eyes that melt girls hearts, are goofy and happen to fight a battle for their life every day.

NO matter what happens - I'll always have a special place in my heart for Trey Bagwell and I'll always have the memories of all he did for us during his stint in Aberdeen.  I just pray that God keeps him in my life a little bit longer so I can help him even more.