Today’s one of those anniversaries I’d rather not celebrate. It’s a day that commemorates the moment my life changed 13 years ago, a day I lost a little bit of my childhood innocence, forced to grow up in the car ride to the hospital. I try not to pout or draw attention to my situation on the regular because self-pity is as unattractive a vice as any, but if there’s one day I’ll let the tears fall, it’s today, D-Day, March 26th, the day I was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes.
If you see a T1D today, give them a hug for me. Let them know you care. This disease is more grueling than you can imagine, more relentless than meets the eye, and more life-threatening than we dare to admit. Though we may not let our vulnerability show, I promise, your love and support means the world.
She's in Prison 
I’m sending a warm embrace. Thank you for sharing of yourself.
Thank you! Sending a hug right back.
Thank you, smiles
I love the honesty of your poem. It’s helps us understand what you are going through, Love.
Thank you. That means so much to me.
dont keep your smile hidden!
🙂 🙂 🙂
keep smiling, made me smile too
wow, that was harsh. my heart breaks for you, having to face that at such a young age. but look what a wonderful person it made you into…strong, brave, giving, open, honest…. what great character! 🙂 sometimes its hard to see what we think is a problem is actually a blessing waiting to make us a better person! (although I’m sure after all this time, you’re like… ok, I learned, enough! lol) ((Hugs))
Thank you. I understand what you mean. Do I wish I didn’t have diabetes? Yes. But would I give up the positive experiences I’ve gone through as a result? No. I’ve made so many friends because of it and become a stronger person. A blessing and a curse all at the same time. 🙂
I had a feeling you were referring to an insulin pump. My 15yo daughter has one. She nearly died of diabetic ketoacidosis when she was ten. I worry about her, and I try not to. Bridget takes so many hardships in stride and goes through life with an incredible amount of grace. My father lived with type-1 diabetes for about 35 years. He was diagnosed shortly before I was born, I think. I am thankful that the science of dealing with diabetes has advanced since he was diagnosed. A question for you: have you ever been tested celiac disease? The two go hand in hand. Further, I’ve read that the neuropathy that often plagues diabetics (at least in later years) is likely caused more by undiagnosed celiac disease than by the diabetes. My daughter is gluten free, but I can’t but think that getting her off gluten earlier might have kept her pancreas healthy. One more thing to share: a friend recently recommended a book on treating diabetes. I have not read bought/read it, but it has gotten excellent reviews: http://www.amazon.com/dp/0316182699/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_nS_ttl?_encoding=UTF8&colid=2UELF5T5PIEKW&coliid=I3NY46GO6DQPZX If you’re interested in learning about celiac disease and it’s relationship to diabetes, I highly recommend Dangerous Grains by Hoggan and Braly.
Thank you! I have been tested for it before and I do not have it. That being said, I limit gluten in my diet anyway just for the sake of eating healthy. I appreciate your comment and your support. Give my best to your daughter and tell her she’s got a friend in me. Cheers. –Leanne
Diabetes is the secret? Very deep, thought provoking poem. You explain your pain, but don’t elaborate. Yes, an attractive quality, as is the mystery. Almost as if getting closer to who you are is not your aim, rather a quiet exposure and then closure. I’m going to read the rest now. I think it will become clearer. Beautiful. XX
Thank you. Yes, diabetes is the secret. 13 years of hiding it in plain sight. I appreciate your comments and thank you for reading! -Leanne