And he is as impressive in person as he is in type and his little weird images.
As he has not said anything about our meeting yet, Iām going to pretend like it was really no big deal to me either. I mean it was cool, but like Iāve met like a million people who carry homemade diabetic gadgetry strapped across their midsection during their marathon already. At least a million.
Things that blew me away:
At the end of 26.2 miles, although he needed some help getting down, he dropped to his knees and began the most beautiful speech to a beautiful, unsuspecting 4 year old girl with diabetes, during which he told her of all the things she would be able to accomplish in her life. He said, āSo tell me again. What are you going to be great at in life?ā She replied, all smiles, with, āanything I want.ā
(It was all I had not to ruin the āunlimitedā moment with bumbling and sobbing.)
His contraption that he had strapped around his chest. Iām not sure it was homemade, but I have a feeling. It looked like a Pez dispenser for test strips. I imagine he made some people nervous before the race started.
His numbers during the raceā¦ He rattled off a series of numbers ranging from 78 to 120 maybe. He actually scoffed at the 120ā mumbling something about it being too high.
His number starting the raceā¦ a 54. I believe it was a 54. I also believe he did a small shot of insulin at the time. To be clearā- at the time of the start of a marathon. He did a shot. At a BG of 54. Kids, DO NOT TRY THIS AT HOME. I wonāt, thatās for sure.
His wife. I was blown away by Ericās wife. I guess I was expecting somebody very weird and socially shut down becauseā you knowā but she was everything but. What a beautiful woman with a beautiful spirit and with such willingness to share embarrassing storiesā¦ She and I are going to get together again soon.
I also had the opportunity to meet @Nicole and her family. I shouldāve put them at the top of the āblown awayā list. I enjoyed every minute of my time with her family and particularly enjoyed watching her chase after her children knowing mine were big and didnāt require chasing anymore. I wanted to help, but I was getting tired just watching.
This was my very first outing to meet another diabetic, and it was amazing. I met one energetic, positive, and seriously intelligent diabetic, AND I also met Eric. What a wonderful day.
Nicky, thank you so much! Your words are so kind. Wow, thanks! I am touched by what you said.
I canāt even tell you how wonderful it was to meet you! And thanks for not telling all my secrets. You really are the best, and I love you dearly.
I know you and my wife enjoyed ganging up on me, but I was too tired to defend myself. And I was just a little bit hungry too, so you guys were able to do that while I was busy feeding my face.
And @Nicole! Your family was so wonderful. They are so precious! I just love those cute pictures. OMG, those two little ones are adorable! I hope you will post some pictures of those sweet children! I think you ran more than me, chasing Josiephine around!
It was great to meet all of you in person. It was really a wonderful day. I wish we had more time to chat! I was actually in town for less than 24 hours.
This was a really memorable time for me. I am so happy we were all able to meet up.
Letās do this again, okay?! I am planning on going back.
Eric you have helped us so much and been so kind. You are a super hero - for real! I mean who else can run 26 miles and has a belt like that? Seriously though - you are a warrior and an inspiration for diabetics who think that they are limited by this disease.
Nicky - Phil and I really enjoyed spending time with you and hunting for Eric. You were so helpful with the kids as well, and we really appreciate that. I donāt think we could have done it with out you.
We hope to see you all again soon and that you both will continue to be a positive influence in Carmelaās life as she grows. We feel like it is really important for her to have diabetic role models in her life that own the disease versus being owned by the disease.
@Nicole thanks so much for posting! It was wonderful meeting you and Phil. And your two girls are so precious. I love the pictures. They are both so adorable!
Eric knows how I feel about him. He is a rare jewel. Iām sorry we missed it - hopefully, we can all meet up the next time heās in Richmond. It looks like you all had a blast. Liam was even asking about meeting @Nicoleās daughter and was excited about it.
I was told you were coming, @ClaudnDaye, and then I was told you werenāt. I do hope thereās another opportunity but honestly canāt see why the absence of one should mean we canāt make it happen anyway.
Thatās a long and eloquent way of saying I think we should all hang out.
I wish you guys could have made it. Hopefully next time we can all get together. We have met other kids with diabetes but not anyone around Carmelaās age. She would love to meet Liam. That would be so great if we could connect!
By the way, @Nickyghaleb, @Eric may have come to Richmond to hang out with youā¦but just know that he animated butt podding for me first. Letās just be clear about that, all you Fudders who hang out in real life and just happen to let the rest of us know about it Later.
You wanna hang out, @T1Allison? Is that what youāre trying to say? If you happen to come around the DMV area, Iāll come to you. But only if you write my name on your butt pod.
I do hope thereās another opportunity but honestly canāt see why the absence of one should mean we canāt make it happen anyway.
