Diabetes and the unexpected...always! When our now 16 year old daughter was diagnosed in June of 2005 at the age of 4; that was unexpected. When our now 22 year old daughter was diagnosed in June of 2012 just before her 18th birthday; that was unexpected. (Even though we knew a diagnosis was eminent from our TrialNet screening. You can read about that here.) The truth is...who ever expects a diagnosis? Let alone a life changing one for you or your loved ones?
Our family has rallied through each diagnosis! It has brought us closer and given us many wonderful opportunities that we would not have had if diabetes wasn't in our lives. Would I trade those opportunities to not know diabetes...IN A HEART BEAT! However, we've been able to advocate for diabetes awareness; not just locally but nationally. My girls have been able to find their voices to advocate for themselves both at school, at work and to CEO's of pharmaceutical and medical industries. We've been able to mentor many families and let them know they are not alone in their diagnosis. That yes, it sucks, it's life changing but life goes on... and so will they as they learn to navigate the world of diabetes. We have made some spectacular friends in the D community that we would never know if it weren't for our unexpected diagnosis.
No one wakes up expecting a diagnosis of anything...it's what you choose to do with that news that makes a difference. You can choose self pity and negativity or you can choose to make the most of your diagnosis. We have chosen to thrive! We choose to empower and encourage; each other, newly diagnosed, those who have been diagnosed for years and strangers. Diabetes isn't always rainbows and unicorns but it's how we choose to react that can take the unexpected and make it exceptional.
What a powerful message, in this whole post, but especially in that last paragraph!!
ReplyDeleteAww, great post..especially the last paragraph. Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteCouldn't have said it better Jen... thanks!
ReplyDelete