1. I get to play the diabetes card.
The first time I realized that diabetes could be useful was in Jr. high PE. I told the coach I didn't feel good because of my sugar, and immediately got a free pass from kickball. Most of my teachers growing up had no clue about diabetes, so just saying the word "sugar" put the fear of God into them. As a non-athletic, non-outgoing teenage girl, this was useful on so many occasions. I don't really use the diabetes card anymore, but it is always there in my back pocket. You just never know when a spontaneous game of kickball might happen, and when it does... I'll be ready.
2. I have to live a healthy lifestyle.
Diet and exercise are key to living with diabetes, so they are more than just a choice. I would face much bigger consequences than the average person if I decided to stop exercising and eat junk food all day. I won't lie and say that I eat a perfect diet, but it certainly makes it easier to make the right choice knowing that making the wrong one would mean being sick, and in the long run, there are much worse side effects like losing my eyesight. I know it sounds kind of depressing, but really, it just means the choice has been made for me.
3. I got ridiculous amounts of attention while I was pregnant.
There are many misconceptions about diabetes and pregnancy, from saying that diabetics are infertile to they cannot have healthy pregnancies or children. Well, I'm here to tell you that they are all false! It can be true that a person with diabetes who is unhealthy will have a higher chance of complications, which is actually true for any person. I have three boys. All three are perfect and beautiful! While I was pregnant, I had so many ultrasounds, it was crazy. I felt like I knew them before they were even born because I spent so much time watching them in the womb. The sonograph technicians said my boys were so cute and loved to take 3D pictures of them, so I had more pictures from before they were born than I knew what to do with. I can't really give my diabetes the credit for that though. They are just super cute!
4. I get to buy cool toys just for me.
With all the advances in technology and general knowledge about the disease itself, there are so many cool things to help me manage my diabetes. From my ultra sleek insulin pump to my super cute glucose monitor, I'm always looking my best when dealing with my diabetes. I even have an app on my phone that helps me track my numbers, gives me challenges to complete, and Penelope, my diabetes monster is always there to give encouraging words.
So even though diabetes can be a huge pain in the rear, it actually has given me a few gifts to be thankful for. And now I have something else to thank it for. Without my diabetes, I would never have met Ruby! She's getting closer to completing her training, and I'm so exited to bring her home.
I'm still raising money for her, so today I'm kicking off my opportunity quilt fundraiser! From now until October 31st, you can purchase "Ruby Points" and have a chance to win a hand made quilt made by yours truly..... me! It is a beautiful quilt, 84" x 84" and is made from all solid fabrics.
Ruby Points are a dollar each and can be purchased by clicking the donate button below. Just be sure to mention in the notes that you are buying Ruby Points. If you don't use Paypal, please feel free to contact me, and we can make other arrangements.
I also have super cute bracelets for sale for $5, that have my website on them. Help me to share my story, and bring Ruby home!
As always, if you would like more information about diabetic alert dogs, please visit diabeticalertdogsofamerica.com.
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