Tuesday, July 21, 2009

An Addendum To "What Diabetes Has Given Me."

And addendum to my previous post: Flashback Friday-What Diabetes Has Given Me

After posting on Friday,I received an email from one of the women I had lunch with on Thursday, who was also a Type 1 and had been diagnosed her last year of college. What she wrote has been on my mind for days, and I hesitated writing about it-but I am, for several reasons. It's how I feel, and I think it's how many others might feel regarding their own life with diabetes.

" Kelly - Thanks also for sharing your personal story. When you live with diabetes, it's hard to imagine someone else's life being "more" impacted than your own... But I have to say, you're life hasn't just been impacted, it seems to be created around diabetes... And your approach to it all now is really remarkable!"

A life created around diabetes ? A remarkable approach? I don’t know about that.

I ran away from any and all things having to do with diabetes my whole life. Diagnosed at 8, by the time I was 19, I’d had my fill of it. Living with a family of type 1’s, the last thing I wanted to do was go to college and learn about Diabetes.

When I was in my early 20’s my sister died from Diabetes complications. Part of my heart broke when she died and another portion was filled with guilt (that followed me for years, still does actually) and I continued to run away from the diabetes world.

I’d continually run into people (parents of CWD’s, coworkers, my mailman, etc) who would ask about life with diabetes. I’d be positive and answer their questions, and leave it at that.

When I was 26 my 16-year-old nephew was diagnosed with "the diabetes", and while I was there for him on every level, telling him "that life is what you make of it, regardless of diabetes -You can do anything Brendan, diabetes or not!”

I still stayed far away from the diabetes community as a whole. But damn if Diabetes "didn’t keep pulling me back in!"

In my early 30’s I went on the pump and became consumed with telling any and all who would listen that the pump and glucose testing equaled freedom.

Three years ago I started working with Diabetes Orgs and Diabetes patient groups.

18 months ago I found out about the DOC and I started my blog.

Diabetes has given me something else - MY PASSION.

8 comments:

Crystal said...

Well said k2.

We don't want to be "defined" by the D. But no doubt a lot of my personality comes from living with it.

Oh and.
See you soon!!! ;-)
OMG!

Cara said...

Isn't it amazing what the DOC will bring us? It's helped me so very much.

Cherise said...

Kelly-

another great post. I found the DOC last year; boy I'm glad I did.

I TOTALLY agree with your comment- diabetes has helped me find me passion too! It's also allowed me to gain life long friendships!

Anonymous said...

Kelly: I always find your humor uplifting and inspiring! I am amazed that you have been through it all, and I am humbled by how you have written this from a great perspective. When I'm feeling sorry for myself, I just look to your posts to keep me going!

k2 said...

CP
Thanks and well said yourself sista!
YES-tomorrow is the day!!

Cara-
Yes, the DOC is the gift that keeps on giving!
AMAZING

Cherise-
I'm SO glad you found the DOC-and your passion!
I'm so glad to call you friend!

moms L8/Jill
Thank you so much for your wonderful words!
I'm glad you find comfort in what I write.
All of us, EVERY SINGLE ONE OF US living with diabetes brings so much to the table of life!
HUGS and keep on going girlfriend!!!
k2

jimpurdy1943@yahoo.com said...

The Diabetes Online Community, and indeed all diabetic bloggers, can be a big help for all of us diabetics. Best wishes to you.

Lora said...

I like the post. I always like your posts. I'm glad you got sucked.

Scott K. Johnson said...

K2, you are an inspiration to many, me included. I love that you have shared so much with me, and every other reader.

Thank you!