Dear Diabetes,Today is Valentine's Day and I have to tell you - as a life companion, quite frankly, you suck!! You are selfish and demanding. You require almost constant attention and never give me even one day to myself. You’ve been known to infringe on intimate moments with my husband. You tag along when I’m out on the town with my friends. You require me to cart around a ton of extra supplies so I can cater to your every whim. You make me high, you make me low, you make me high, you make me low . . . . and in case you haven’t noticed? I’m not a fan of roller-coasters of ANY kind (much less your blood glucose variety). You make me feel like I have to work twice as hard to just have an average day. You make me sweat, you make me bleed, and sometimes you even make me cry. Honestly, if I could, I would break up with you and kick you to the curb in a heartbeat!
While it would be nice to dump you, we both know that isn’t about to happen any time soon. So Diabetes, I guess it’s time to admit that you have brought some good things along with you too. You have showed me that I can be strong. You’ve taught me about staying in it for the long haul - planning and working not just for today but for a healthy future years and years down the road. I think you have helped me to be a more compassionate person - and to understand that others may hide or joke away their struggles and fears too.
And, Diabetes, in the past few years you have opened up a whole new world to me. Since engaging in the On-line Health Community, I have found support and friendship and a world I am truly passionate about. I’ve made “virtual” friends all over the world - who are close to my heart even though we’ve never met face to face. And beyond that, I’ve made many “real-life” friends, who I’ve been fortunate enough to share a day, a meal or a cupcake with. You’ve given us a bond that others will never quite understand.
So Happy Valentine’s Day to you, Diabetes. Sure, you bring challenges every day. But in the long run, life with diabetes isn’t all bad . . . .
This post is my February entry in the WEGO Health Activist Blog Carnival. If you’re interested in participating too, you can read all about here http://community.wegohealth.com/group/healthbloggers/forum/topics/february-habc-a-letter-to-your
Great entry! I love the first few lines.... "frankly, you suck!" HA HA. so true. Thanks for sharing your perspective of life with diabetes. I've learned a great deal from you. Keep up the great work.
ReplyDeleteAlicia
I think many of us can empathize with your feelings on this issue, all of them!
ReplyDeleteNot ALL BAD at all Karen. I am so glad that I am in this with you and the rest of the DOC. Solace...in time and company. Have a great day girl!!!!
ReplyDeleteYou go Karen. Yes, I would love to throw it to the curb, but really, I think I have a love/hate relationship with my diabetes. It makes me strong, gives me the knowledge and empathy to help others, and I have an awesome job because of my "DISEASE"!! But it makes me cranky and moody, makes me have to get up to go to the bathroom sometimes when I really don't want to get out of bed, it sometimes makes me have to get up and eat when I'm not hungry and it is a complete pain in the ass! But it's my pain. I would rather live with the demon I know and am somewhat comfortable with than the one I haven't met yet!
ReplyDeleteHappy Valentine's Day to all you Sweet People!!
Happy Valentines Day! So well put. :)
ReplyDeleteGreat post Karen! looking forward to seeing you next week
ReplyDeleteI am a mom to a newly diagnosed type 1 and celiac son. This was a a wonderful post! It's uplifting that you've been able to see good through the bad. You're an inspiration!
ReplyDeleteYou are spot on about the bonds of the D community, Karen. I can't imagaine life without all you guys!
ReplyDeleteGreat blog, will be stopping by again :)
Great letter! I totally felt and understood everything you talked about. Big hugs even thought I am 2 weeks late.
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