Monday, May 9, 2011

Type 1's Are From Jupiter, Type 2's Are from Saturn

This is my first Contributory Blog to a Project organized by Karen at Bitter Sweet and Monday's Topic is Admiring our diabetic differences.

Since joining the DOC I have certainly noticed the vast diversity in the folks with D online. We have people with Type 1, 1.5, and 2, not to mention moms, dads, toddlers, kids,  teens, adults, and caregivers.

We have folks from all over the planet, reading, commenting, and contributing to this amazing online world, where we can share, support, and more importantly relate with those who all make significant daily sacrafices, or changes to live successfully with DIABETES. 

I read a book many years ago written by John Grey called Woman are from Venus, Men are from Mars The premise was simple; understand and respect each others unique differences and it will improve your relationship.  The same principle applies to all walks of life. By seeking first to understand, before being understood, we gain great insight, and understanding about each other, and build an open path to communication, understanding and respect.  No, I don't do this all the time, just ask my wife, but I certainly try.

These differences help me to view things from a totally new perspective. I learn sooo much from other perspectives, they say 2 brains are better then one, well we have access to hundreds of brains at our finger tips, that truly is a gift. One that I Cherish daily.

These last few months has been amazing, because of the different perspectives, because I am out of my local box, of Doctor, Nurse, and the same associates.  Not that they are bad, but the more the merrier.

I remember vividly stumbling upon a blog about diabetes, 110 days ago to be exact. It was a completely different DIABETIC scenario cause this Gal just had a baby, she was healthy, had a CGM, Pump, the works.  She blogged in such a positive way, viewed her diabetes world differently then I, made me laugh, and inspired me. Different in so many ways. BUT, relatable in one huge way, Diabetes.  I was instantly hooked. I felt validated, understood, despite our varied background.

That serendipitous read changed my diabetic world forever. Despite our background, age, gender, diabetes type, we were human and both struggling to make sense and live well with the Big D.

Thank-you DOC, and Karen for the great Blog Week Idea!

So even know Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes are different in so many ways, if we seek to understand each other, we all gain knowledge and support.

Cheers.

Trev

6 comments:

Unknown said...

I am thankful for you and your perspective Trev. Love your title btw.

Meri said...

Exactly! We are so different, but also so...same. :)

Lora said...

Cheers to you!!!!

I think the parents might be on the crazy train headed towards pluto. Except according to my kids... Pluto is no longer a planet, so were screwed???

Anonymous said...

Great post, Trev! You are so right that is was such an incredible moment (or millions of them), finding this community and so many out there. It's also very interesting to tally up those who actually came across Kerri.. what a life-changer she is! Anyhow, I so incredibly look to you as an authoritative voice that isn't really out there anywhere else - the PWD with D-Kids, from the FATHER'S perspective. That is something I've been really looking for for a long time and am so appreciative to have the honor of reading your words and sharing online space with you! Thanks for doing what you do, and bringing your voice to this community. Wouldn't be the same without you, my friend!

George said...

We are all in this together! I love your title! So awesome!

Sarah said...

Bravo for this one! I love knowing that you remember the days from when you first read another blog about diabetes and how it impacted you.
I hope you don't mind but I blogged about you (and Cindy) on my day 1 post for diabetes blog week.