44

 

I'm still here :) 

44 years ago today I was diagnosed with diabetes. 

44 years of living with a busted pancreas. 

44 years that I've been here, that I wouldn't have been if insulin had never been discovered. 

As Diaversary tradition and in no particular order - my diabetes life gratitude list.

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1. I’m still here
2. Rooibos tea - my latest obsession. Actually, I’ve been drinking it since maybe 2005, but the last few years I’ve become OBSESSED with it
3. Being an auntie to my nieces and nephews - I love them more than words can express
4. My sister Cathy
5. My family
6. The Diabetes Online Community - Finding my tribe ROCKED MY WORLD & continues to do so, each and every day
7. Sex
8. The beach
9. The ocean - there’s a reason we are three-quarters saltwater
10. I’m a kickass soup-maker with an impressive soup repertoire
11. Trump no longer presides at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue
12. Wide shoes that aren’t ugly
13. Theater - I can’t wait to go back!
14. Books
15. Beuno Bars - Seriously, GIVE THEM A TRY
16. Teal Green and Chartreuse 
17. Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups
18. Friends who are family. You know who you are and I love you
19. Dogs
20. Photography. I love taking pictures and people em to like my images. Also love learning about the history of photography and photographers
21. Peanut Butter. I LOVE IT
22. Kismet. When it happens it’s magic in action 
23. Being my mother’s daughter. Marjory was the strongest, kindest woman I ever met. Being her daughter is an honor
24. I found a hidden twenty in my wallet last week - AWESOME
25. Insulin. It keeps me alive. Unfortunately, it’s fucking expensive and people are dying because they can’t fucking afford it and that’s gotta change!
26. A bold Lipstick - it’s seriously life-changing, empowering, and energizing
27. A really gorgeous and well-made coat. Instagram #coatporn, you’ll see what I’m talking about 
28. Having a roof over my head
29. Diabetes Advocacy 
30. Purple
31. Indie coffee and tea shops
32. Diabetes technology
33. Movies
34. Pete Souza 
35. Dorothea Lange - If you don’t know about her - watch Grab A hunk Of Lightning and prepare to be inspired
36. Traveling. I miss it-can't wait to get back to it!
37. Manatees
38. Gardening
39. Having enough oat milk for my morning coffee
40. Perfectly seasoned, well-done home-fries 
41. Music
42. Reconnecting with old friends
43. Making new friends
44. Getting lost in nature - on purpose.