Diabetes came into my life unexpectedly and forever changed the course of my journey in this life.
14 years old I was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes.
And I remember it like it was yesterday.
I was 12 years old, being told I had an incurable disease and that my life was going to alter significantly.
I thought it was the end to the future I once envisioned.
I lost a lot that day. I lost peace of mind. I lost security. I lost much of my childhood.
But what I found on this journey is much greater.
I found myself.
Through all of this I’ve been able to grow and now heal.
I always questioned and wondered, “why me?” I wanted answers. I wanted purpose in all of this.
I’ve realized now that it’s always been right there in front of me.
After many years I was able to find myself again.
I had to overcome many obstacles and endure many failures.
But I found my strengths and my weaknesses.
I fought through many of my doubts and fears.
And by the grace of god, I made it through countless near death experiences.
And I was able to finally stand up and take back what’s mine.
My life.
I now have the life that I always hoped for, and even more so.
One thing diabetes has taught me is to appreciate every day for that it’s a gift. I was given a chance to live and for that, I’m eternally grateful.
The beautiful of this life I believe — isn’t getting to one destination. It’s the journey along the way.
It’s about helping people like me who are going through the same thing.
Making a small difference in the world that I once felt was so lonely.
I’m not only a survivor,
I’m a warrior.
Here’s to many more years of conquering diabetes —
