This one's for you Mom and Dad

I would love to start this post off with saying that I wouldn't be where I am today, both physically and mentally, without the love and support of those around me. With that said, I will also note that I know I haven't always made it very easy to let people in to the whole diabetes thing.

It all started with my diagnosis as a very young teenager. I have talked a bit about my feelings back then, but the two people I am really starting to think about are my parents. As Pearce and I start to consider starting a family someday, I can't help but wonder what I might do should our child be diagnosed with a manageable yet seemingly restraining disease. The worry. Fear. Guilt maybe. And many other emotions that must swirl through a parent's mind when their human, and almost irrational, instincts kick in with any news that their baby is in danger.

Back then we were all coping and reeling with the diagnosis in our own way. I can only speak on behalf of my own thoughts, and can only interpret through my parents' reactions what may have been churning in their minds. Emotion wasn't really something our family showed openly very often. Being a teenager at that time probably didn't help, but I found it hard to talk about and interpret the anger, frustration, and confusion I felt. And not being able to successfully communicate those feelings, in turn, led to a lack of communication about the emotions of this all between the three of us.

What I do recognize is the strength my parents displayed. I learned how to be responsible through their actions. Keeping regular doctor appointments. Eating right (most of the time). And eventually learning to really manage the physical and emotional aspects of diabetes by pushing through and being strong. Back then I had no interest in talking about what was going on and NEEDED to learn responsibility. Now that I have worked my way out of those rebellious teenage years, I feel like I have mastered the art of responsibility, and my needs have changed. My parents may not have to drive me to the doctor any more, make sure to ask all the right questions, and give me an injection, but I will still lean on them for support more than ever. Their support has shifted from a physical to an emotional support, something that I am finally ready for and continue to be thankful for every day!