Dear newest and best friends a CutTheBSGirl could ask for,
I sit here in awe of the weekend I just had with you all, attendees, facilitators, and sponsors. I had no expecatations of the weekend but I cannot believe how much I learned from each of you. I actually went into this thing, thinking I didn’t belong there because I have only been a PWD for 2 years and 9 months. I was scared. I was afraid I was going to hear things like, “Oh, you’re so new. You can’t possibly need to go to an event like this.” I did not hear that once this weekend. You were open, candid, funny, frustrated, happy, angry, and most of all, genuine with me. You also created an atomosphere where I could be open with my own feelings of being a PWD. My heart is heavy…I can’t figure out if its because we all had to part ways yesterday and I’m sad, or if it is because my heart is overflowing with love, encouragment, and a sense of peace with how I’ve been living my D-life thus far.
I learned this weekend many things:
- Diabetes doesn’t really have a “type” it likes to strike. We varied greatly in size, shape, color, gender, personality, food preferences, and fashion styles. One of the few things we had in common were our busted pancreases and that it wasn’t our fault no matter what anyone may say or think. Another thing was the sense of humor we have about this chronic condition were share.
- I’ve been burrying my thoughts and personal feeling on Diabetes deep down by filling my schedule with “stuff” and have just thrown on a happy face. I learned this weekend that it’s ok to be angry and frustrated about it, but to not let that anger and fustration consume me.
- I miss my Dexcom. IV3000 here I come!
- I’m not alone. Yes, I know, you’re thinking, “Well, Duh!” But, I didn’t know there was such a thing as a DOC. I look forwardward to connecting with others online for years to come. It won’t even compare to meeting you all in person, but it is the next best thing. Also, who knew I’d find a few “soulmates” on this D-journey. (You know who you are.)
- I learned that “My Diabetes May Vary.” (Bennet, where do I send my quarter?) My Diabetes reacts completely differently from someone else’s, so hearing and trying what works for someone else is totally worth a shot because it might just work! Or it won’t and that’s OK too.
I don’t know much about Diabetes…but…Diabetes doesn’t know much about me, dammit. I declare war, Diabetes. I’m going to win as many battles as I can. I am optimistic, inspireD, and hopeful. With the support and knowledge I was gifted this weekend, I will make every effort never to let Diabetes bully me or anyone else for that matter. Because of you and others like us, I aspire to be a Dia-advocate, a Dia-nurturer, a Dia-cheerleader, a Dia-bestie, lastly and probably most importantly, a Dia-Badass. I pledge to make other People with Diabetes feel welcome, respected, and valued beyond the confines of the Red Rock Conference room. I hope you’ll join me.
Thank you for sharing your experiences, sarcasm, tips, and personal style as a PWD with me. Most of all, I thank you for being you. It was more than I could ever have hoped or asked for (seeing as I seem to have a hard time asking for help). It’s hard but, I will try not to cry beacause it is over. (This Vegas dust is just getting to me.) Instead, I will smile, because it happened!
With much admiration, respect, and love,
CutTheBSGirl
To find out more about the Diabetes UnConference, Click Here.
Cut the B.S. 