Today is my 37th Anniversary of being a Juvenile (Type I) diabetic. Cool, huh?
I can’t figure out why no one wants to celebrate with me? I’m very proud of it. I have to tell you that 37 years ago my parents thought I was being sentenced to an early death.
I’m proud to tell everyone that I’ve lived a very nice, relatively “Normal” life as a T1.
I’ve traveled to all 7 continents (104 Countries on MDI).
I’ve been married for over 15 years to a man who loves me and supports me and has taken care of a few really impressive lows.
I have given birth to 2 beautiful children - currently ages 13 and 10 - the first pregnancy was MDI and the second pregnancy made me realize that pumping was the way to go!
I work full-time, own my own business, and will start a part-time job on Sunday.
I smoked for 25 years, quit for 3 months, lost my dog to a tragic accident (found him on the road), went back to smoking and now have QUIT again!
I lost 40 pounds (baby weight) on Weight Watchers in 1999. Over the past 10 years I’ve put back 20 of it and have just recently lost 5!
Basically, I don’t let much stop me. I test 4-10 times a day, I pump, I LIVE. I am DIABETIC. I am a person with DIABETES. I know that one of these two “descriptions” bothers some of you, but, it’s just me - anyway you look at it! DIABETIC should be tatooed in BRIGHT RED on my forehead. Honestly, I’m just ERIN and there are 100’s of words to describe me… artistic, creative, wife, mother, daughter, friend, assistant, fun, spontaneous, diabetic… see, it just falls into a great list of adjectives.
SO, I’ll say it to me (cuz NO ONE wants to celebrate with me?) Happy 37th “D”-versary ERIN!
I will say it, Happy 37th “D”-versary ERIN! I’m doing a celebratory dance in your honor right now! Do something nice for yourself today, you deserve it!
Way to go Erin I just had my 33 th year of being a type 1 diabetic !! I just kringe on what life was like back then , I am on a pump also and think how much my life has changed . Treatment was so cruel back then .My parents always worried about me then and now , somthings will never change . Life is too good to let your health slide thats why I always try to keep on top of things , I am glad to hear you have good support in your life , its a good reason to gone on . Best of Luck in the future !! always great to hear a success story .
Happy 37th! Your family should definitely celebrate with you. The “honeymoon” “anniversary” thing, still think the terminology is hilarious. We have never celebrated my dn’s anniversary, as it was probably the worst day of her life. But I see your point in celebrating how you have overcome obstacles, achieved and just lived life to the fullest. So, happy anniversary!!!
Happy 37th! My family still acts like I have the “black plague”, diagnosed Type II, Jan '09. My grandmother was Type 1 at 13 and she lived to be 89. I don’t remember her every being sick or complaining of anything. Of course, she smoked 2 cigarettes a day and drank one beer on Friday & Saturday respectively, other than these two vices she took great care of herself and had great self-control and discipline. She died an accidental death, not health related.
Congrats to Joe on 43 and Toni on 17! As Judith said, life should be full of celebrations and fireworks! AND… lots and lots of music. My thoughts are with you all and my many thanks for celebrating with me. : )
