I spent this weekend visiting with my wife’s extended family. All of her immediate family are near us, around Minneapolis, MN. But most of her extended family is closer to East Moline, IL, where many of them grew up. We drove down there, a couple of minivans packed with fighting kid cousins, on Friday to attend a family reunion.
I love my in-laws, and all of their friends and family are great too. We spent a lot of time visiting, remembering old stories from when they were young, looking at pictures, and we even played some basketball. Let me tell you, my father-in-law and his buddies can play some ball!
We talked diabetes a little bit, as some of them are working to manage type 2 diabetes. I was really impressed with their level of knowledge as well as their motivation and initiative to make changes when certain things weren’t working for them.
I also got to educate a little bit about type 1 diabetes, especially as I kept having to treat lows. I don’t know exactly what it was. Maybe the heat, or the driving, or just not eating foods I’m used to or following a routine that I’m used to. I’ll have to keep a close eye on things over the next few days (the more lows you have, the more lows you’ll have).
Driving home I kept thinking about the great time I had. Life is about spending time with people. Loved ones, new friends, old friends, whatever. People and relationships are what bring value and memories to the time we spend here.
I often feel the very same way when I get to spend some time at D meet-ups. You are all my family. We have a bond that is sometimes as close as blood relatives, sometimes closer. You all enrich my life, and I hope to someday meet each and every one of you.
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To any of the Mayfield – Reed folks that stumble onto this, I love you guys, and thank you for adopting me into your family. You have always made me feel right at home, and I appreciate that. The Minneapolis Mayfield – Johnson crew will always have room for you up here.