This past Saturday me and 14 others walked to raise money to fight diabetes. It was the American Diabetes Associations "Step Out to Fight Diabetes" walk. I posted about this a few weeks ago but at that time, only my wife and I had signed up.
To have so many people walk, friends and family alike, was just awesome. I felt so supported, so loved and cared about.
I don't know about you but when I was diagnosed and for many MANY years later, I felt completely alone. I would fall in and out of depression about my diabetes. Feeling like nobody understood and that I would be different for the rest of my life. It was very difficult to understand and impossible to accept for me. I did not know any type 1 diabetics which made it even worse. Everyone thought I had the disease their grandfather or aunt had. I did not even want to explain.
It was difficult not to mention the typical teenage stuff.
In the past two years I have met an amazing support group. People just like me and some that at least understand me. All of these people I met through blogging and posting on forums that focus on diabetes. It is true that most of them I have never met face to face but it is funny how people with diabetes seem to connect almost instantly. At least every one I have met or chatted with online.
Seeing all those people at the walk Saturday just makes the need for walks so evident. When so many have been directly affected by this disease it makes you visually see the epidemic. I am just thankful that I have a group of people willing to walk with me even if they do not have diabetes. And I am also so thankful for all of you that read my posts and comment. It makes living with diabetes tolerable.
If I didn't have this stupid disease I would never have had a chance to meet so many great people! I have to find the silver lining and that would be it.
I would love for you to check out my personal blog because I posted pictures of our day at the walk. I also need to thank those of you that helped come up with the sayings on each shirt. Many people commented on them at the walk.
Thanks!

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