I'm skipping the letter L - in favor of my very late Raise Your Voice post. Even later than I thought - because of technical difficulties... (Thank you, K) My voice still counts, I hope.

The countless days of senseless whirling
Numbers chugging, dancing in my head
Reminding me of their import

The unending barrage of needles and blood
And of damage and fear
Reminding me of my body's most drastic flaw

The every day of it

The every night of it

The demands

The requirements

The relentless, all-consuming weight of it
The wishing it was different - I was different
And the realization that you play the cards you're dealt

I watch, most days silent, as it destroys people I love.
This beast.
And I wonder how many healthful, strong days remain for me.

I look into eyes so like my own
Mirrors reflecting the days behind - the mistakes
And the days ahead? - For me?

I succeed. I fail. I live. I forget about it.

And then I'm reminded again.

Today I raise my voice - in hopes that someone will read my words and realize the sometimes overwhelming burden that type 1 diabetes presents to those of us who live with it - or who care for a child or loved one who live with it.

Someone once said silence is golden. I don't believe that for a minute.