My Diagnosis Story:
6 years ago, I felt like the free-spirited part of me was crushed. My comfortable, strong wings that took me all the way to 26, now felt different. They were stripped, re-shaped, and prepped for a foreign adventure—Type 1 Diabetes.
“Are you SURE there aren't more tests that you can do?”
“Are you SURE I’m not pregnant? ”
“Are you SURE this isn’t something else, that is triggering this thing, that will eventually be gone?”
—I am pretty sure I asked all of the questions, had all of the doubts, and did all of the googling. Searching for a new answer that would give me my old wings back—they were so lovely, so comfortable, so strong. 🦋
During the first week of my diagnosis, I vividly remember sitting on the couch looking out onto our coffee table, observing the “supplies” that would keep me alive thinking: ”This is A LOT!”
In that same moment I also looked at my bag of dried @traderjoes chili spiced mangoes, and realized that eating the entire bag probably wasn’t the best idea anymore. It was a subtle realization that carried a lot of weight— realizing that almost everything had to be sifted through the demands of this life-long disease.
There are zero, google-able words to sum up what Type 1 Diabetes requires and takes daily, but in the requirements and amidst all the taking...I’ve discovered this magical space of endless growth, significant community and great blessings.
I’ve learned that the free-spirited me is still alive—even in the required planning and discipline.
It takes time to find your "free" again, but it comes, I promise.
My wings—in the stripping and reshaping—are strong and extra flowy now. They were strong before, but I’m telling you, now they are so bright and quite extraordinary!
I’m here to give you a loving, hug-filled reminder that even in the unexpected, loss, and often hated crushing of our wings, they will come back. Give them grace and space and they will come back stronger and brighter than you could ever imagine.