Having been away for a weekend of fun since Friday morning, I feel like I've been living under a rock! Albeit a really fun rock, with a little alcohol, BBQ, and great music, but still a rock.
So, as I watched Barack Obama introduce his first Supreme Court appointment, Sonia Sotomayor, this morning, I was taken aback to discover that she has type 1 diabetes. That she was diagnosed at eight years old. That she's lived with type 1 for 46 years.
How incredibly inspiring for people with diabetes. Even more inspiring, I would imagine, for those raising children with type 1.
Sometimes, adults tell their children (both those who have diabetes, and those who don't) "there is nothing you cannot do" fully realizing that this is probably not altogether true. It's one of those sentiments that when used appropriately, can make an enormous difference in a person's life. It plants confidence like a seed when it's first said, and with each repetition, it is nurtured. And the flowers of confidence that then grow are beautiful, colorful, and vivid indeed.
Today with Sonia Sotomayor's appointment, our confidence should be in full bloom. We should believe, with whole hearts that there is truly nothing we cannot do. Not only can we live healthfully, we can thrive, we can achieve, we can serve. All of these things, we know on most days, but they're too often vague and get lost in the stress and shuffle of life with the responsibilities of diabetes.
This morning, for me at least, the belief that nothing can stop me - that diabetes won't get in my way - is as clear as a bell. And that feels good. Particularly after a weekend of trying to stay balanced in spite of a number of schedule and eating challenges.
I can't wait to call my friend V, whose seven year old daughter was just diagnosed, knowing how much it will mean to that little girl (maybe not right in this moment, but certainly not far down the road) that when people tell her that diabetes won't get in her way - it just might be true. Because look at Sonia Sotomayor. Look at what she's achieved.
Sometimes, we all need some evidence. Sometimes, we need to be reminded.
Today I got more proof. Today the achievement of another whispered "you can do anything."
And my heart is light.
