Ten

Today marks 10 years of diabetes.

• In that time, I've had approximately 14, 600 blood sugar tests and 1, 095 pump site changes.
• I've cried more times that I can count due to diabetes related circumstances.
• I have a body covered in scars and callouses.
• I have lost hours upon hours of sleep due to high and low blood sugars.

• I am also stronger than the average 22 year old.
• I have met people I never would have otherwise met.
• I am grateful for every day of good health I have when most take it for granted.
• I went to nursing school.
• I have a view on life that I wouldn't trade for anything.

This last year was a really rough year emotionally, in terms of my diabetes.  Getting married, starting to think about having a family, it all took a huge toll on me this year.  I cried and screamed more than I have since the year I was diagnosed.  But I'm trying to remind myself that for everything diabetes takes away from me, it gives me something in return.  Sometimes it's hard to see the good through the bad, but I know God has given me this for a reason.  So this next year, I want to get back to that place where I remember.  I am going to stop thinking about getting my diabetes into "baby range".  Pregnancy is not the end goal, healthy living is.

Music has been a big comfort to me over the last 10 years.  Jason Mraz's "Remedy" has been a big favorite of mine.  This is my favorite performance of the song, with his friend whom the song was written for in the background.



And this one just plain makes me bawl. It's about cancer, but the sentiments are just the same.



I've never really liked to talk about my diabetes much with family and friends, but I've always had great support.  I was diagnosed at 12, and even then, my friends never left my side.  My parents were there to dry my tears, and to tell me to pick myself up and live life.  I am forever grateful for this.

So now, I'm going to go eat pizza, make some cupcakes, and enjoy the day.  Cause in the end, it's just another day. :)