The end of this month will mark my 33rd year with diabetes. Back in those early days, I didn't even consider that I'd make it to 20 years, which seemed to be the cutoff for many of my T1 relatives.
Yet here I am - still kickin', despite long periods of neglect. I have gratitude that I came to my senses while I still had a core of health to nuture. Seems somewhat miraculous, No?
A couple of years ago I won a great digital camera in an office contest. Tinkering with all of the settings makes me think of living with db - all the tiny little adjustments that need to be made to result in a good photo - light, shadow, focus - more of this, less of that. Just when I think I've got it down, I delve further into the instruction manual and discover something else to try.
I love the challenge of seeing how much detail I can capture with the macro mode, yet it prevents me from considering the bigger panorama. The details of db make it easy to forget that I am greater than the condition. I am a friend, neighbor, co-worker, daughter, sister, auntie, musician, craftsperson and OC member.
When I look at the top picture of the syringe, I see the endless drudgery it represents, along with the suffocting emotions of anger, shame and fear. But, if I move back a couple of inches, I see the lovely piece of embroidery that my Norwegian granny taught me to do.
Another step back and I see the candles I light that calm my mind and connect me to a larger sense of being.
We navigate the path of human-ness together. And, the journey is the reward. May everyone make wise choices and travel well.
16 comments:
Yes, Wow, the journey is the reward. So often it is, and we must remember that it is, because so many of us will never reach our "destination."
As for why Mayo...The reason is because it is a whole team of doctors (developmental ped, neurologist, neuropsychologist, thearpists, social worker, etc.) in a team environment conducting all necessary evaluations and exams in a matter of days to determine a diagnosis and care plan that fits. Other clinics claim to have this same sort of program, but it is dragged out over months and their specialists span more than one clinic. They don't actually all meet in a room together and go over what they are seeing and finding as they do at Mayo. So that is why Mayo. It hopefully condenses what could take months or years into four days....
Nice, well-written post. I know congratulations aren't in order, but 33 years of adjusting the focus is an accomplishment to be proud of. Here's to at least 33 more. (Hopefully some without D? One can always hope!)
I'm awfully glad you're around.
Yes Kathy, YOU are greater than the condtion(T1DM) becasue you are NOT the condition.
Great post and more power to you on reaching 33 years. Bring on the next 33!
Wow, you forgot to call yourself a poet too. Yeah it all depends on what you focus on . Beautiful embroidery.
Here's to the next 33 years, with or without D. I wish you much happiness.
Fantastic post. I love it.
Beautiful imagery!
Such a great post MN. The pictures you posted and the pictures you painted with your words moved me to tears.
Here's to another 33 years!
Beautiful. Congratulations on 33 years, and here's to another 33. Thanks for sharing; your insights on chronic illness are so accurte and moving.
Best wishes.
Beautiful, well said.
So happy you're here with us!
Congratulations on getting through 33 years. I know that the next 10 or so will be very exciting for all of us Type 1-ers.
I loved your analogy with controlling a camera.
Don't forget to treat yourself to something special.
Very eloquently put. Nice pics too :) Thanks for the comment on my site, feel free to add me to your blogroll! I look forward to reading more of your posts later on.
Hello - your attitude to Diabetes is so good and inspiring to me a 31yr old with steroid (and other meds) induced diabetes that is very hard to understand at times !!
Knowing other people live through this for over 30yrs is great !!
Thankyou !!
Donna (Cloudedbrains)
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