Community

I was diagnosed with T1D in college.  It was a small college with a close community.  Even then, at my disposal were 5 people, around my age, also with T1D.  This meant questions were answered, knowing glances were shared over the occasional high carb cafeteria meals, and with a brief statement of "I'm 328" empathy abounded.  I'm not sure I fully appreciated the high value of a community tied together by diabetes.

Until I was without them.

Moving out of college, away from my support group, was tough.

Now, I live in rural Michigan.  I feel like I could walk 10 miles and still be nowhere.  But that's coming from a city girl. 

Don't get me wrong - I wouldn't change my deer-crossing, amish-traffic, peaceful setting for the hectic pace of the city (except at midnight when I am craving pizza delivery or chicken wings).  But T1D sightings are few and far between.

This is when I am so thankful for the support that I do have.

I am thankful for my local diabetic support group.  Even though it is made up of me and my elderly, male, T2 friends, it is lead by an incredibly passionate Certified Diabetes Educator.  She is an advocate, and daughter of a diabetic, who has the patience and passion to devote her life to a disease she doesn't have but is zealous about awareness and education (read: changed lives).

I am thankful for the friend and co-worker who's loved one has diabetes.  The one who, after hearing me open a third package of fruit snacks, asks "are you okay?" because she knows I am low.

I am thankful for my wonderful family who supports me from near and far.  The ones who bought me my first medic-alert bracelet and find delightful sugar-free chocolates (yes, they do exist), who tailor menus to my lazy pancreas and do their best to support me.

And I am thankful for my husband, who has never read so many nutritional labels in his life.  Who encourages good eating habits and walking because it is good for both of us.  Who supports the occasional emotional eating splurge, because he knows I need a break.  Who loves me and wants to love me for as long as possible - and from whom I hear "I love you" when he nudges me toward health, and away from 3 more scoops of ice cream right before bed.

I am thankful for the DOC.  With whom I share experiences and a nasty insulin habit that all of us are hoping to kick one day.  For all the blogging and tweeting that helps each one of us feel a little less alone.

Most of all, I am thankful for Hope.  The Hope that says "we will make it through another day" and "I know this feels like more than you can handle, but it is making you stronger" and "Someday this will all be a memory".

I am so thankful that I am never far from love and hope.