Welcome to the sweetest place on earth. Almost literally. We’ve got glucose to spare. I’m impressed. I was 13 when I was diagnosed. A diagnosis at 3 had to have been a hard row to hoe. That constant worry about complications is maddening. Every time I got a lower back ache, I KNEW my kidneys were failing. It really can make you a wreck. Diabetes does dictate how we live our lives. But there are tons of people out there who will love you without regard to your nearly undetectable chronic condition. You surely can have children – you’ve already demonstrated that you responsibly care for yourself. That’s a lot of the focus. I have also limited myself in some of my activities. I’m finding out more and more that the limitation was something I had constructed. Self-care does become such a habit that you manage to accept whatever challenges you accept. All of the things you mention can weigh you down. Right now, don’t do what you don’t want to do. You’ve had a 24-hour a day job since you were 3. Damn straight you-have-had-it-up-to-here! (hand over forehead, yes I am all about the hyperbole) It is really okay if you want to stop, take a moment, and take a deep breath. Time with your family seems to be solid and supportive. The world will continue to turn. You are just hitting maturity so you’ve got some time to figure it out. Really you should take a bow. You aren’t alone anymore either. People here understand. There are some very inspirational folk in these parts. The information you can get from this site is astonishing. And everyone gets it. Robyn is very wise in her advice to keep your oar in the education pond. But it is never wrong to reconsider your path to your ultimate goal. The folks here are really, really good and kind. I’ve been amazed (I’m new here, too). Is there any student health service that provides counseling? A couple of visits with someone might help you clarify your thinking and align your priorities. You are – for the record – quite lovely.
