Alone?

I can remember as a kid sitting at Circle of Sharing, and kids & counselors would say how this was the only place they weren’t alone.  I never understood this feeling.  And I realize now that I’m one of the lucky ones.  I have never been alone in this disease.  When I was six another little girl in my town was diagnosed with diabetes, and from fourth grade – eighth grade we were in all the same classes (or at least the same groups of teachers).  We were friends too, so this was pretty awesome.

We went to camp together, where we each met our best friends.  Yes, my best friend also has diabetes.  And I’m lucky enough that we lived close enough that we were able to see each other on a frequent – enough occasion.  Going through high school with a friend that also has diabetes is pretty awesome.  My first “road trip” after I got my license was to see her.  She may never have been there for the every day items, but she certainly was there for the big things, and having someone to talk to about how diabetes sucks makes all the difference in the world.  And then I went to Oregon and met even more friends with diabetes.  Yes, I am lucky.  And yes, this is rare.  But I am blessed in knowing I have never felt alone because of diabetes.