Sorry to hear about your diagnosis -- we too had a rollercoaster ride when my son was diagnosed this past November. The first month was pretty tough for all of us...it gradually got better. Funny that you ask about a "normal" life -- as from the beginning we knew things were never going to go back to "normal" - but that we would figure out a NEW normal so to speak. He is doing all the things he did befor - some are just a bit harder to figure out how to incorporate insullin and testing. As to why - not sure we will ever know...but my son and I are sure working on things to make sure it doesnt keep happening to others! We are doing the ride to the cure and signed up for research projects to see what can be done to find a cure. Glad you found this site- it helps to be able to hear from others who have been there.