With Carey and George writing about music that moves their diabetes lives, I wanted to add my two cents on this one.

For years now, the song Fitzcarraldo by The Frames has reminded me of the diabetes community and our lives with diabetes. The song Fitzcarraldo is based on a movie from 1982 about a man, Brian Fitzgerald, so enchanted with opera and the singer Enrico Caruso that he takes it upon himself to build an opera house right where he lives.

In the middle of the Peruvian jungle.

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Last Thursday I noticed a spot on the tip of my second toe. I am not the most flexible guy in the world so being able to really get a good look at it is difficult. I asked my wife to check it out. She said it looked like a blood blister.

I cannot remember ever bumping my toe or stumping it. For the life of me I have no clue how my toe ended up purple.

My wife’s first response was typical, “Go to the doctors!”

I of course said yes and spent the day putting off calling. I posted about it on my blog and all the comments I got said the same thing, “Go to the doctors.”

You must understand, I get very annoyed at the doctors. My doctor never seems to be in or have an opening when I need him. I usually end up seeing one of the doctors on duty which drives me nuts because they always say, “follow up with your doctor.” Nice.

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I have been pondering traveling the world lately. I can’t quite seem to narrow down exactly what I want to do, but I know it has something to do with traveling the globe, being around others, and spreading peace. The thing I realize, and that we/I sometimes forget, is there is something to be said about a person who just “jumps”. In other words, instead of losing myself in thoughts of what might happen or where I might end up, or how I will get my (diabetic) supplies…I’m more interested in just living and the experiences that come along with it. The idea of just spreading my wings and flying…no matter what happens.

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Christmas is supposed to be the most wonderful time of the year but for so many it is not. The holidays tend to be a time that people reflect on the past year and sometimes that can be a real downer.

This Christmas will not be so “Holly Jolly” for me.

My health was pretty good as far as my diabetes goes. I had no major incidents like DKA or hospitalization of any kind so that front has been pretty good. In fact, I may have some really good news to share soon but I will wait for the official word on that. (READ MORE)

“I’m back!”

I sat up totally confused. I looked at the clock and saw that it was the time when I typically get out of the shower.

In the morning my wife takes our son to school while I get in the shower and get ready for work. I have an alarm that wakes me up but most of time I wait to hear, “We’re leaving” from her then I get up.

Today, I didn’t.

I jumped up in a panic, disconnected my pump, and turned on the shower. As I waited for the hot water to arrive I sat down on the toilet. I could no catch my breath. I was taking deep breaths trying to slow my heart rate but I couldn’t. The bathroom started to steam up as I sat there trying to find the energy to get into the shower.

Was I having an anxiety attack? Is something wrong? Should I just call in sick today and go back to bed? The room was spinning and I could not catch my breath. (READ MORE)

From the shore, I watch a life I used to know - the seas swirling rough and rapid.

I sit, wrapped in the embrace of a sun I thought I'd never see.

I am unencumbered by worry.  I reach my fingers to the sky, letting the light kiss their smooth tips.  

I think about the storm and how it came, sudden and swift.  

I think about the years of maddening calculations and missteps.  The whirlpools and the hurricanes.  The lashing wind and rain.  The dark days and endless nights.

I think about the fleet of ships that journeyed at my side.  

I think about those that were lost.

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