It’s really difficult for me to put into words what experiencing just one day at the Children With Diabetes - Friends For Life Conference was like.
It’s hard to find the right words to say how I felt at home in 'Diabetes Land" and how amazing it was to walk amongst my diabetes peers, my diabetes family.
How do I describe the boatloads of conversations that occurred just because I was wearing my insulin pump and green CWD wristband?
How do I explain the heart to hearts I had with kids and adults, (and they had with me- God I learned a lot) of all ages?
How to I describe in perfect detail the hoards of children and adults with type 1 diabetes I saw having a grand old time, owning their diabetes, and walking with their heads held high and their insulin pumps proudly displayed for all to see?
I was in Florida for 2.5 days and I only spent 1 day (officially) at Children With Diabetes, but I have to tell you, after spending the day (and the previous two days) being surrounded by people who spoke and understood the language of diabetes, leaving was one of the hardest things I’ve ever had to do in my life.
I attended sessions that helped me with diabetes and was surrounded by people who wanted to learn, and wanted to help others to learn the same thing. It was magical!
As I sat in the Orlando International Airport waiting for my plane that was delayed by almost three hours, I looked down at my green CWD/FFL wristband & I started to cry – I’d never felt so alone.
I texted and left both Christel & Scottie J voicemails. They texted back for me to ”come back home” and Scott called just as the plane started to board.
Me: I don’t want to get on the plane Scott. Seriously, I want to go back to Diabetes Land, I want to go home.” I miss everyone.
Scottie J: Oh k2, I know you do, we miss you to.
Me: Next year I’m staying for the whole CWD FFL.
Scottie J: Me 2.
ME: It was awesome! I'm crying now Scott.
Scottie J: Hang in there Kel, it's going to be OK.
We said our goodbyes and I took my seat with tears in my eyes.
Like I said, it’s all so hard to put into words. But I can tell you that Children with Diabetes might be the name, but it’s not just for children with diabetes.
Children with diabetes do indeed grow up- and that’s a wonderful thing.
CWD realizes that fact, and they are trying to add bring more adult type 1’s into the mix.
I'm begging here folks, take a moment to visit Scott Johnson’s post on the subject. Give him your feedback so that CWD can get the ball rolling for adults.
Your voice will be heard and I promise you, if you decide to attend next year, it will change your life!
Click HERE to read Scott Johnson’s fabulous post- and tell him your thoughts!
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8 comments:
I'm seriously considering CWD next year. The timing is horrible as it is at the beginning of a month (it makes it VERY hard to get time off at work). But I'm going to see what I can do about it.
Maybe we'll get to meet then.
This year was the first time I had "time" to reflect on what I was leaving.... I know the tears. It's SO hard to leave your family, leave "home."
Here's to next year....hopefully. ((hugs))
Oh it sounds like heaven! I seriously want to go with Miss G, she would love it. The spirit sounds great and the all-togetherness. I am so sorry you had to leave early and that it made you so sad, but here's to 2011 and going for the whole time!
I didn't stay on for CWD (though I wish I had for at least a day). But I was in the lobby one evening trying to get a little WIFI and chatted with two girls about the WIFI situation. They both had on CWD badges and it made me miss my daughter. Even more so it made me want her to experience being surrounded by so many others just like her.
We're saving our pennies for next year and hope to make it a reality. Not to mention that she (like every other kid in America) has been begging to go to Disney.
Honestly, reading all the blogs of people who went to CWD/Roche summit made me a bit sad. I have never met anyone from the DOC in person, and don't know anyone with t1 IRL...so right now the feeling is mostly 'virtual.' Maybe next year...
I didn't get to experience any of the CWD, and being so close without having that chance hit me hard - between that and my wanting to drive LeeAnn to the wrist doc, I thought several times that Wed morning about trying to push my plane ride back just to have more time. The airport WAS lonely, though I only had about 90 minutes to wait and ran into a few diabetics (Type 1s with pumps, and a Type 2 who needed a BG test) to chat with for a bit. So, that helped. But yes, I'm on the same train of thought - so planning to make that my vacation in 2011 to stay for the whole thing!!
K2, thanks for capturing how wonderful it was to be at CWD. Next year I'm definitely there for the duration. I do hope we'll get together before then.
It was SO HARD to leave. You sounded so sad when we talked.
Thank you for helping people share their thoughts around an adults track at CWD. It is a special place made just for us!
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