So. It's been a little quiet around here lately. Lots to write and zero time to do it. I was hoping that the fifth annual Dblog Week would be the kick in the pants I needed. Let's see if I can make it work...
Monday - Change the World Let’s kick off Diabetes Blog Week by talking about the diabetes causes and issues that really get us fired up. Are you passionate about 504 plans and school safety? Do diabetes misconceptions irk you? Do you fight for CGM coverage for Medicare patients, SDP funding, or test strip accuracy? Do you work hard at creating diabetes connections and bringing support? Whether or not you “formally” advocate for any cause, share the issues that are important to you.
This one. This. That word... advocate. I'm stuck on that. The problem is, I don't feel like one. I look around the DOC and see everything that is being done; the Strip Safely Campaign, Children's Congress, Spare a rose, Save a Child... I know there are more, right now my brain is just a little tired.
What I love about the DOC is their ability to start a grassroots campaign and run with it. And I love how quickly everyone hops aboard. I will usually hear about it and say, "Self... you need to look into that when you have some time." My problem is that last word; time. There just isn't enough of it.
But instead of beating myself up about my lack of involvement, I do what I can, where I can. And that amounts to speaking at a newly diagnosed class at our Children's Hospital once a month.
Because reaching out to families that may be feeling like they are drowning is my passion. Fred and I didn't have that at the beginning, and it was a very dark time for us. So I try to be a tiny light in their new, strange world. I tell them our story; how far we have come, how amazing Elise is, and I can usually get through it without shedding a tear these days.
Interestingly enough, I usually see quite a few tears in the eyes of the people I'm speaking to. And when they come up to me later, a lot of them tell me that they are tears of relief, knowing that someone has been there and come out the other side just fine.
It may not be a lot. I may not be blazing new trails and making my voice heard across the country, but for now, it's enough. I'm making the difference where I can, and maybe one day it will lead to more, maybe not. But if it helps even one person, it's enough.
Just like the starfish.
I've used the starfish story for years and it always makes me smile.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you're speaking with parents. It has to be so overwhelming at diagnosis.
I also struggle with the idea of being an advocate, but if we can make a difference to just one person, we've made a difference. You are definitely making a difference, and great starfish story.
ReplyDeleteThat's so amazing that once a month you go talk to newly diagnosed patients. I would love to know how you got started with that. I've never heard the starfish story either so thanks for sharing :).
ReplyDeleteNever heard the starfish story thank you! You have inspired me to try DBlogWeek! :)
ReplyDeleteI can't believe I've never heard of that starfish story before. That is perfect! You are right that what seems "little" to us can be "big" to someone else. Keep at it.
ReplyDeleteJo, you are wonderful.
ReplyDeleteThank you! This makes a difference. A BIG difference! Those first early weeks after diagnosis are awful. What you are doing helps!
ReplyDeleteWhat you are doing is huge. I'm sure every one of those families would say the same thing.
ReplyDeleteThat is HUGE! What you are doing is huge.
ReplyDeleteHow happy--JOYFUL--I would have been to have met you at a newcomers-ish kind of meeting.
You were the first blog I found and reading through and seeing the journey you have had and the success helped me so much with Carter. You are inspiring and I am so happy to hear you are helping others in the capacity that you are. I would have loved to have heard some of this before leaving the hospital. You have such a big heart for the parents of T1's may you be blessed a thousand fold!
ReplyDeletegreat post ... great story ... you are changing the world! (And that starfish dad is a pill :)
ReplyDeleteWow. I love that story. I had never heard it before. Thank-you for sharing.
ReplyDeleteOkay, I didn't use the word "advocate" in the topic for today until the very end because I do think is kind of scares people off. But it shouldn't. You are absolutely and advocate. You are changing people's lives. And I honestly believe that often those seemingly small, one-on-one connections are more meaningful and more powerful than a sweeping national campaign. Thank you for all you do!
ReplyDeleteYou made a difference to this one! Thank you. xoxo
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