The truth is what it is.
Diabetes sucks. At least for me. At least most of the time.
When I posted A Call to Action, I just let it out. I didn’t pull any punches or sugar coat my feelings. I worried about what so many of you parents would experience when reading it. But also felt that I just needed to put it out there.
When talking motivation for finding a cure, people need to know that it is not Ok to just settle on insulin and make money on the supplies we need. People need to know what it is like to live with type 1 diabetes.
But I also want to share the other side of all of that.
I live a good life.
I have experienced many wonderful things, many not-so-wonderful things, and a lot that fall in the middle somewhere.
I am a good father to two wonderful kids.
I am a good husband to an amazing wife.
I am a thankful and gracious son to my awe inspiring mom & dad.
I am a proud brother to the best little sister in the world.
I am a successful and valuable asset to my employer.
I am a lot of things, and diabetes has not gotten in the way too much.
While it is always there, and I have to always be aware of it. Mindful in how I deal with it, and respectful of it’s dangerous aspects. It does not stop me from living and experiencing life. All the good and bad that it brings.
My life is not all about diabetes. My life is about life, and family, and happiness, and joy, and pain, and everything else that everyone’s life is about. I just have to carry my diabetes around with that.
Sometimes it is very heavy. Crushing, in fact.
But as I’ve said before – I am strong (we are strong), and there are times where I don’t notice the weight so much. Times where I’m wrapped up in life just like anyone else.
Those of us dealing with chronic conditions like type 1 diabetes, we find a way to make it work. We find a way to do what we want to do in life.
Life does not stop just because diabetes is along for the ride.