All of my  life, I’ve been told “you are in a world of your own!”  Whether it was meant as a compliment or an insult, I chose to tune it out.  🙂  I never really thought of myself as “unique” by any means, but I guess there was some truth to it – I’ve got a goofy sense of humor, I’m highly entertained by awkward moments, I have particular taste in foods, and I’m not one to hold back my opinion on random issues.   It wasn’t until I was diagnosed WITH diabetes in high school, though, that I started to take those comments seriously.  I suddenly had to deal with something that no one else around me had.  I went through emotions and struggles that no one else around me understood.  I DID feel like I was in a world of my own!

For years, I chose to keep all of that to myself.  I only told my friends and family what they needed to know.  You know, so they didn’t think I was going psycho when I was simply having a sugar low…stuff like that.  And for years, I didn’t know a single soul who also had Type 1 diabetes, so no one could relate.  Until, that is, I met one person in college that also had Type 1.  We weren’t friends by any means, in fact, we didn’t get along at ALL.  However, whenever there seemed to be an issue where she was suffering from her diabetes, or vice versa, we were the first to be there and help.  It was strange, but it was a sort of bond the two of us shared that no one understood (or even knew about!).

I had a similar situation happen to me last month that warmed my heart in a weird way.  I was at a trade show, talking to some customers when a vendor at a nearby booth tapped me on the shoulder.  He told me my insulin pump had been beeping and just wanted me to know.  At first, I was a bit freaked out – how did he know I had diabetes?  Did I forget to rip that stupid label off my forehead???  Then I was touched to think that some stranger cared to alert me that my alarm had been going off (instead of getting annoyed that someone nearby was beeping).  After talking to the guy, it turned out that he also had Type 1 diabetes and had seen my Omnipod (on the back of my arm) so he recognized the beeping alarm linked to it that was coming from my purse.  In that moment, I had an instant bond with this guy.  Even though he was a complete stranger from a competing company who I might never see again, I felt this small sense of unity between us that said, “I get you!  We’re in this together!”

Now, before any of my friends jump up and ask if numbers/dates were exchanged, it wasn’t THAT kind of connection.  It was more a form of community that I’ve begun to embrace.  When diagnosed with an illness of any kind, it can sometimes feel like you are suddenly isolated – given some new “issue” that makes you different or separate from everyone else.  While it does make you different, it doesn’t have to separate you from the people you know and love!

By keeping my issues to myself, I was only isolating myself and closing off any support or help that my friends and family could offer.  It wasn’t until a group of friends had an intervention with me to be truthful and open up to them that I finally started sharing with them the details of what I was going through (and the beginning of this blog!).  They immediately stepped up and helped out in more ways than I could ever have expected!  They made a huge difference in helping me get through all the challenges of my transplant, and continue to do so as I maneuver my way through many other on-going health adventures.  🙂

I’m not saying I now walk around carrying a sign saying “Look at me!  I have a bunch of crazy health things going on and YOU have to hear about it!”  Nor do obsess or make it the sole focus of who I am, but by keeping that door open, and not hiding my issues, I’ve gained many new friends and connections!  I now get together regularly with a local group – DADA (Dallas-Area Diabetic Adults) – and volunteer as much as I can with JDRF.  I’ve also been asked several times to reach out to people who have been newly diagnosed with kidney failure or celiac disease to help them get through their fears or confusion (people I now consider my new friends).  I love being surrounded by people who share this thing (whatever it may be) we have in common.  We “get” each other and speak the same “language”.  We don’t have to explain why we feel the way we feel at times because we’ve all been there and understand.  Most importantly, we support each other without judgement.  That’s what community is all about.  It’s not a luxury – we need it.

So for all of you out there who feel you have to fight your battles alone, please don’t.  Life is so much easier and enjoyable when you can open up about it and reach out to those that want to help.  Go online and find a support group.  Look up associations that support your cause.  Talk to your friends and family.  You never know who you’ll meet or who those people might introduce you to!

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Things I’m thankful for today:

1. I am surrounded by amazing people who love me for who I am!  *heart*

2.  Thanksgiving is next week!  I’ve never been excited about turkey, but our family’s tradition of eating whatever we want (not turkey) has become something I totally look forward to!  (yay appetizers!)

3.  I have a solid roof over my head.  All of the news about the California fires is heartbreaking!  My thoughts go out to all of them and what they’ve lost.  I hope they are all able to find more permanent shelter soon!

4.  That my friend Kerrie’s BFF is showing improvement from her stroke.  We continue to pray for her quick recovery so she can come home soon!

5.  Having a job!  I’m so glad I’ll be able to shop for Christmas!

6.  Christmas fairs.  On the note of shopping, these may be a bit cheesy, but they offer some cool ideas for Christmas gifts.  🙂