I know these are tough times, and I know there are a lot of challenges and worry. So I wanted to put a few words down.
The world is now filled with uncertainty. But every one of us - ever since diagnosis - we have already been dealing with some form of uncertainty. Every day.
For years, each of us whenever leaving our home, going to work, going on vacation, doing anything, we always ask - Do I have everything I need? Am I prepared? Do I have food? Do I have backup supplies if I get stuck in traffic? Spare insulin, spare food, spare test supplies. Every meal that has not been from our making, every event, every trip, every change from the ordinary routine. Daily we have prepared for every possibility.
We’ve all been fighting against uncertainty since the day of our diagnosis. For each of us there has always been uncertainty, every single day. For many, practically our whole lives.
Uncertainty is nothing new for us. Ironically, it is the only certainty we have had.
These moments, these dark times, this is when we shine. This is absolutely when we are at our best. Nobody in the world is as emotionally and intellectually prepared for this as we are. In one form or another, this is what we do every day.
This is our opportunity to demonstrate our resolve and flexibility and adaptability. This is also where we show the compassion for one another that has been ingrained in us from the day of our diagnosis.
When this is all over, let everyone on the outside look at how the diabetics handled this. Steadfast and capable and tough. Unrelenting in their love for one another and for community. Smart and prepared and creative. Diabetes-strong. The best.
Since I was diagnosed, I have already died a thousand times over. I know many of you have done the same. We have cheated it countless times.
And in doing so, we have garnered more from life than we ever could have hoped. We have lived a thousand times more, and learned a love for everyone that shares our diagnosis. When we were diagnosed we each got a million new friends. A million new brothers, and sisters.
These extraordinary times will require an extraordinary response. And while the rest of the world is encouraging isolation and distancing, during this time let each of us draw closer together with one another.
Rather than isolation and distancing, instead let’s move toward one another and embrace one another. Let this dark time be when we are the closest, the brightest.
Each of us a small candle, together a blazing torch.
Amen
