Something in common

Yesterday I was subbing in a kindergarten classroom.  Great group of kids.  Very energetic (as kindergarteners should be) and lots of fun.  In the afternoon there was a local university student who came into the classroom.  I'm not sure why, but soon after meeting I notice her medical identification bracelet.  I complimented her on the pretty beaded bracelet.  She didn't realize that I had already seen the tag on the other side, so she told me it was a medical bracelet.

Of course I had to ask her where she got it.  Lauren's Hope.  Honestly I wasn't surprised.  I've been drooling over their bracelets online ever since I found out about the site.  My middle daughter's friend has a great dog tag style necklace from the same site.  The university student almost seemed surprised that I knew about the site.

During afternoon recess, we talked a little about diabetes.  Although she has Type 1 and I have Type 2, we had a lot in common.  We both go through periods of denial.  We both feel the need to talk to others who have the same condition and really understand.  It didn't matter that she had been dealing with diabetes since she was a year old and was on an insulin pump, where I've only been dealing with Type 2 for 3.5 yrs with diet and exercise.

Before receiving her pump, my daughter's friend was excited when she found out that we had the same meter.  Even though we have different types, we made a connection through diabetes.  It gave us something in common.

I've noticed that most of my online friends with diabetes have Type 1.  Honestly, the type seems to fade into the background as we talk about the same fears and frustrations.  The DOC (diabetes online community) is never divided by types.  It's a strong, loving, welcoming family.  If you see someone with a diabetes bracelet or taking out a meter, there's an instant connection that is hard to describe.

I found it interesting that today, when I got online, I notice that Lauren's Hope is having a drawing for a free bracelet.  I admit that the only reason I haven't purchased one is because I'm a mom - a mom who does things for her family but rarely for herself.  If you've read my dentist posts, you know that I've put off going to the dentist because I feel guilty for spending money on myself.  It took me a while to break down and buy an inexpensive prepackaged drugstore medical bracelet.  Why didn't I wear one before?  Even though I'm "only Type 2", medical personnel need to know of my condition if I'm ever in a condition where I can't speak for myself.

If you have a medical condition that others should know about, please wear a medical identification bracelet.  It speaks for you when you can't.  And if you want a nice looking bracelet, check out the free drawing at Lauren's Hope!