It is with this word in mind that I watch my kids grow and reflect with wonder on the generosity and sacrifices that my parents, my wife, and other family and friends have made to ensure that my diabetes stays in check. I acknowledge the fact that this disease does not exist in isolation. It's not a little pill that's taken before bed and forgotten for 24 hours. It's actually a lifestyle that involves the help and coordination of those closest to the patient. Frustration, excitement, fear, accomplishment, confusion, comraderie, and temptation are all present in this community from time to time. The patient's goals become common goals.
This communal aspect of diabetes brings me back to my original thoughts on motivation. Because complications can be either prevented or prolonged (And in some cases of Type II, this applies to the disease itself), we hold an incredible opportunity to show our gratitude to our loved ones. The motivation to remain controlled flows like a fire hydrant under the perspective of continuing the hard work of my parents, and living a long and healthy life with my wife and children. It is the only thanks they want, and the only thanks that will even begin to come close to sufficing.
Diabetics get a bad rap because we don't take care of ourselves, we take a bag of meds, we have 13 doctors, we're always in the ER, we all have the same excuses, and we lie through our teeth about all of it. I dare say this is the kind of reputation we get when we live for ourselves. It is only under the purpose of living for others that we are able to find the motivation to take care of ourselves.
What's your motivation? If you don't have it, then find it. And then........let's get less than seven, greater than low!
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