Letter writing day

(Day #2 of D-Blog Week.)

Today's "assignment" is to write to our disease, our equipment, our medical team, whomever/whatever related to diabetes.  Today my husband got some much deserved recognition at work.  I am so proud of him, and so I write my letter to my husband.
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Dear wonderful Hubby,

Do you remember the words to Bette Midler's song, "Wind Beneath My Wings"?  This song says so much about our personalities and your support of me, not only with my fight against diabetes but life in general.

It must have been cold there in my shadow,
to never have sunlight on your face.
You were content to let me shine, that's your way.
You always walked a step behind.

Yes, I'm the social one and you're the quiet one in the corner taking in everything.  You watch me in my excitement and enthusiasm.  You're right there behind me, supporting me all the way.  You're right there behind me, ready to catch me if I fall.

So I was the one with all the glory,
while you were the one with all the strength.
A beautiful face without a name for so long.
A beautiful smile to hide the pain.

Your strength amazes me.  I wish I could be half as strong as you!  You have a heart of gold.  You are so beautiful to me, not worrying about others knowing who you are.  You don't feel the need to be in the limelight.  Whenever I doubt myself, you encourage me to follow my heart.  You are the one who has given me the encouragement I needed to become part of the diabetes online community (DOC) where I have found fellowship with other PWDs (people with diabetes).

Did you ever know that you're my hero,
and everything I would like to be?
I can fly higher than an eagle,
'cause you are the wind beneath my wings.

Dear, you are my hero.  Your talents amaze me.  Thanks to you I have the strength I need to discover who I am and to follow my heart.  It is because of you that I was able to be the stay-at-home-mom to our five wonderful children that God blessed us with over the years.  It's because of you that I find joy in my role as a substitute teacher.  It is with your encouragement that I have found the path I am to follow at this point of my life.

It might have appeared to go unnoticed,
but I've got it all here in my heart.
I want you to know I know the truth, of course I know it.
I would be nothing without you.

All too often I forget to tell you how much your love and encouragement mean to me.  Yes, my parents gave me a wonderful start.  They lead me through childhood and into the beginning stages of adulthood.  However, I needed someone who could continue to be nurturing as I journeyed from young adulthood into *gulp* middle age. Without you, I don't think I would have the self-confidence to be the woman I am today.

Did you ever know that you're my hero?
You're everything I wish I could be.
I could fly higher than an eagle,
'cause you are the wind beneath my wings.

Did I ever tell you you're my hero?
You're everything, everything I wish I could be.
Oh, and I, I could fly higher than an eagle,
'cause you are the wind beneath my wings,
'cause you are the wind beneath my wings.

Oh, the wind beneath my wings.
You, you, you, you are the wind beneath my wings.
Fly, fly, fly away. You let me fly so high.
Oh, you, you, you, the wind beneath my wings.
Oh, you, you, you, the wind beneath my wings.

Fly, fly, fly high against the sky,
so high I almost touch the sky.
Thank you, thank you,
thank God for you, the wind beneath my wings.

I thank God for you every day.  You are a provider and protector for your family.  You are my best friend, the person I want most to grow old with, the person I can't imagine being without, the person who holds my heart.  It's with your encouragement that I started taking better care of myself even before being diagnosed with diabetes.  You're there when I want to scream and cry.  You're there to cheer with me when I have good lab results.  You're the one who encourages me to become an advocate instead of just sitting down and letting things fall where they may.   I love you with all of my heart!

Loving you now, always, and forever,
-Me.

Admiring our differences

(Day #1 from D-Blog Week.  Posting from my phone tonight)

When I was first diagnosed with gestational diabetes in early 1993, the internet was unknown to most of us.  Yes, some knew about newsgroups and the like, but the internet as we know it now was in its infancy.  By the time I was carrying my second child three years later, the ADA has started growing its website and sharing information electronically.

Three years ago, when I was diagnosed with Type 2, I knew that I could find support via the internet. The amount if information is almost overwhelming. Type 1. Type 2. LADA. Gestational. It's all there!
Most of the DOCs (diabetes online community) that I've "met" are Type 1. I couldn't even imagine. Our day to day struggles are so different... or are they. Type 1s and Type 2s might have a different type of diabetes but we have so much in common.

We all have to watch our carbs. We all need to exercise. We all have to watch our glucose levels. We all fear the sane complications. We all pray for a cure!

Our differences? I don't have to inject insulin. My body makes plenty of that, but doesn't want to use it. Other Type 2s take oral medication. Me? Diet and exercise. Am I ever jealous of those who can bolus for a slice of chocolate cake? I have to admit, yes a little. However, I know I'd rather take a walk to combat the sugar high.

Even though we're different in our type and management, I am blessed by the many people in the DOC that I can call family.  We're all in this together.

Happy Mother's Day!

Why isn't there public outrage?

Please watch this video:



According to the International Diabetes Federation, "There are currently over 300 million of people living with diabetes around the world. If nothing is done, this figure will rise to 500 million within a generation."  The above video shares some words from the President of the International Diabetes Federation, Jean Claude Mbanya.  At the one minute mark, he says, "Yet there is no sense of urgency or public outrage" about the above statistic.

More people will die from diabetes than AIDS or breast cancer combined.  Scary, isn't it?  Yet we see sympathy for those with AIDS.  Public outcry for those with breast cancer.  Diabetics?  Oh, they did it to themselves.  They get no sympathy.  They pretty much deserve it for being a bunch of lazy, couch potato, over-eaters.  WRONG!

No, I'm not trying to take away from the urgency to find a cure for AIDS or cancer.  A family friend died from AIDS.  My father had prostate cancer.  A friend of mine was just diagnosed with breast cancer.  What I'm asking for is understanding that finding a cure for diabetes is just as important as finding a cure for AIDS or cancer.

Please understand that there should be a sense of urgency and public outrage.  One of three children will wind up with diabetes in their life if something isn't done now.  Due to genetics, the odds for my children are much higher.

How can you help?  Educate yourself.  Learn the risks for Type 2 diabetes.  Understand that it's not just a disease that affects older overweight adults.  Children and young adults are also getting diagnosed, even at healthy weights and lifestyles.  Learn the difference (and similarities) between Type 1 and Type 2.  Learn about the complications that we fear every day.

Then help support organizations that are working toward a cure.  You already know that I'm doing the American Diabetes Association's walk, Step Out: Walk to Stop Diabetes.  Sponsor me, join my team, or create your own team and join a walk close to you. 

One last thing.  Pray.  Pray for a cure. Pray for those with diabetes that they will remain complication free.  Pray for those who are not so lucky.  Pray for their families and friends as they support someone they love with a chronic incurable disease (our Type Awesome).  Pray for those with diabetes who have not yet been diagnosed.  Pray for those who cannot afford their supplies - testing supplies, medication, insulin, syringes, etc.  And pray for those yet to develop diabetes, that we can find a cure before their lives are forever changed.

What I learned at today's trumpet lesson

My #2 plays the trumpet. She has a weekly lesson with an excellent instructor. During her lesson, I'm usually sitting on the couch behind them. It's amazing what I have learned during these lessons.

* Start with a breath attack. Air first before sound.
* After working for a while, take a break, get a drink of water, and get back at it.
* You're going to be good! (Said when sounding discouraged)
* Slurring takes work.
* Take it one piece at a time.
* Keep going!

How do these lessons carry over into the diabetes world?

* Take a breath and make you (advocate) voice heard.
* While exercising, take a break and a drink, but then get back at it.
* It's easier to be good at controlling your diabetes if you believe it.
* Some parts of diabetes management might be harder than others.
* Take it one week, one day, one meal, one moment at a time.
* Keep going!

Melody Monday

This is one of my favorite songs.  Felt the need to share this today.

Blogger app

I just found a Blogger app. WOOT! Now I can post here even when I don't have access to a computer. Can you tell I'm excited? Now to see how it looks on a computer. Added a picture from my phone to test that part out, too.