I wrote “April Blog” in 2015. I hope you find it worth reading, or re-reading, in 2016.
“Beam me up, Scottie!” TuDiabetes will teleport its Ning content on April 6th through April 20th. April marks a new beginning for TuDiabetes on its new platform.
This has been a long and chilling winter for me.
Mid-December, my husband, Hardy, and our three Golden Retrievers hiked along the Maumee River at Side Cut Metropark. It was a gorgeous day, the River and its water birds were stunning. I will always be grateful for that day. Our 14 1/2 year old Golden loved hiking from the day she was born, and enjoyed the sights and smells of the trail. She died of old age two weeks later after a long and happy life. Unfortunately, I developed a problem with my legs that same day–the valves in them ceased to function fully. My legs were swollen after the hike, then my feet, then my toes. Infected toes ensued, followed by two rounds of antibiotics. I went from walking in my stocking feet to walking in sandals to walking in extra-depth shoes. I am still walking very cautiously.
Winter took its toll on Side Cut Metropark as well. Ice jams left destruction that is now being cleared away, workers preparing the Park for the new growth of spring. I really want to walk that trail again, and soon. My New Year always begins in April, begins with spring.
These seasons do keep rolling around. In earlier years, I published the following haikus on TuDiabetes in recognition of difficult winters and rejuvenating Aprils:
WINTER HAIKU
Icicles are poised
to stab, sharp as my lancets.
Our winter lingers.
APRIL HAIKU
Twenty years, pricking,
stabbing fingers and belly.
April, bring me hope!
Update: I recently developed the symptoms of Lumbar Spinal Stenosis. At this stage I find it to be painful, but after six weeks of Physical Therapy, some walking is possible. I fully intend to go trailer camping when the weather permits, with my husband and our two Golden Retriever half-sisters, Betsy and Cici. Happily, managing Type 1 Diabetes while trailer camping is no problem at all!
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