We've probably all heard of the holiday Cinco de Mayo (which means 5th of May, in Spanish, and is, not coincidentally, when the holiday is celebrated), but do you know what it's about?
Nope, not beer. At least not originally.
It is also not about big, colorful skirts, although they frequently make an appearance at Cinco de Mayo celebrations.
Cinco de Mayo is a celebration of the Mexican victory over France in a battle fought in the town of Puebla, in 1862. In a nutshell, the Mexican president had decided the country would not pay any foreign debts for two years, and in response several big world powers (England, Spain and France, to be specific), invaded Mexico in an effort to compel payment. England and Spain negotiated an arrangement and moved back out, but France stayed and fought. And with far more money and twice the forces in the village of Puebla, on May 5th, 1862, they lost. (More info here)
What's it got to do with diabetes? Nada. But stay with me for a sec, because I'm gonna attempt to create a connection.
I'm a war history buff. Like, a big one. Not because I'm a fan of violence and misery, but because I am amazed and inspired by the depth of human resilience and determination (yes, even when they're doing what I consider to be the Wrong Thing). In battle, people find impossible physical strength. We can generate goosebump-raising power to resist. We can become unstoppable, monumental forces. We survive the unsurviveable.
... And what does all that have to do with diabetes? Everything. Because if people are capable of super-human feats of strength, stamina and resilience in war then you and I can achieve the super-human feat of getting up and facing this condition every. single. day.
And we can win.
Happy Cinco de Mayo.