I am the single parent of two daughters, ten and seven. My seven year old was diagnosed as a Type 1 Diabetic (insulin dependent) 08/09/10. Diabetes has done much to our lives, but it also did something I wasn't immediately expecting: it's drawn my boundaries for me.
This is an exhausting disease to care for. It is 24/7 with no reprieve. Obviously, as a single parent, there is no one to elbow gently in the middle of the night and whisper "it's your turn". It's all me. Which, I'm fine with. I'm a tough cookie~ my Mama raised me right. There isn't anything that I'm not capable of managing. Albeit: sometimes poorly.
Back to boundaries.
The biggest passion I have in my life right now, other than my two daughters, is to do everything I can to help in the fight for a cure to T1D. That being said.... I have been absolutely blown away by the generosity and support from people way back in my past. People I wouldn't have expected it from. People who haven't seen me in years, but through their generous actions, have sent mucho love our way.
Here comes my line in the sand....
Since I am so passionate about curing type 1 diabetes, I am apathetic to people who aren't willing or able to support me in my passion. If you can support me, and use your words to help me remain standing as my daughter fights for her life, I will be forever grateful. But the ones who don't.... they can't be terribly surprised when I gradually disappear from their lives.
You want to love me? Then love me in our quest for a cure. That doesn't have to mean a financial donation, it can be as simple as helping scrubbing cars down during a fundraising carwash. You want me as a friend? Then I need you to be a true friend to me also.
Type 1 Diabetes has taught me it's one or the other.... and if you're on the fence, then you've fallen onto the dark side.
Much gratitude and fantastic kharma to all who have stepped up and help us in this fight. No comment to those in the peanut gallery.
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