Ali's mother knew there was something not quite right with her daughter lately.  She just couldn't put her finger on it.  She was trying to explain this over the phone to the nurse at the Pediatrician's office.  Ali had been so tired since starting first grade.   She had been wetting the bed every night, something that had not occurred since she was two.  "I've been trying to cut back her liquids at night," explained Ali's mother, "but she seems to be so thirsty that I finally give in and give her a drink at bedtime.  She literally guzzles that down and wants more.  I'm not sure what to do."  The nurse explained that the next available exam opening was in two weeks. "Could they come then?"  Ali's mother uneasily agreed to the date and hung up the phone.

 

The following day, Ali's family was planning a trip to the local amusement park.  "Ali, are you still eating breakfast?  Let's go!"  "But I'm still hungry," Ali shouted back.   "Mom, that's her third bowl of Cheerios and she's gulped about half of that gallon of milk!"   Her big brother Mike was getting impatient as well.   "It's amazing that someone that skinny can eat that much.  Talk about a hollow leg."  Ali's mother looked back at her.  She really didn't have an ounce of fat on her body.  "Oh, to be young," she mused.  "I wish I could get away with eating that much!"

 

At the amusement park, Ali made a beeline for the nearest bathroom after every ride.  "She is such a pain!" exclaimed Mike.   "I bet she's just doing this to annoy me.  We're not going to get to ride on anything."  Ali's mother didn't answer.  She was genuinely worried.   She had accompanied Ali each time to the restroom and she knew Ali was not just trying to be annoying.  How could anyone have to go that much?

 

The next day was Sunday.  Ali's mom had just got up from a well-deserved nap.  She had been up three times the night before changing Ali's sheets.  She found her daughter lying on the couch watching TV.   "Why don't you go outside and play.  It's a nice day." " I can't breath very good, and I feel sick to my stomach," replied Ali. Ali's mother looked at her in alarm.  Her breathing was very rapid and labored.  She looked pale, and so thin.  She called and talked with an emergency room nurse at the local hospital.  After asking a few questions, the nurse recommended bringing Ali in to be examined.