Share My Stories

On Saturday afternoon I attended a family reunion. This family reunion was on my Mother's side of the family and most of my relatives have not seen me since I was much younger. The whole ideas of Diabetes was shocking to them since this is such a new thing for me and for the rest of my family.

I knew that this was the perfect opportunity to share my stories, tell my triumphs and the moments that were the hardest. I don't mind talking about my diabetes, I look at it as a lesson. Something that can be taught for years upon years.

Something that really touched me was when my Mom's Aunt Janice told me about her mother being a type 1 diabetic, diagnosed at twelve. At first I thought, "wow someone in the family with type one!" however this is not a blood relative. She told me how much her mother did, how she experienced so much, lived so well and knew everything there is to know about healthy eating. I knew that I wanted to live up to be the lady that was known as being so strong. Whether it's my future children telling their grandchildren about me or just an old friend telling their husband. I want to make an impact, to promote healthy living, and let everyone out there know as long as you're breathing it's not over.

I brought along my diabetes scrapbook. I think at first when I started my scrapbook people didn't understand why you would scrapbook a disease. A disease seems so horrible, something you don't want to remember you have. Truth is my most amazing pictures are in that scrapbook. I have never had such an exciting scrapbook that make people think, "wow you did that!"

I got asked why I think diabetes is the best thing that ever happened to me. I guess I would ask the same thing if I was in their shoes. It doesn't seem like this would be the best thing that ever happened to me, and when you think of all the things I have been given, all the places I have travelled and still Diabetes is the best. I could only respond with I've done so much, I have such a better outlook on life. I personally think only if you have diabetes or are really close to someone that does, you would fully understand the positivity that comes out of having this disease.

I think on Saturday afternoon I really felt like my scrapbook had made an impact. Of course every time I look at it I feel excitement and joy but it's when you put it on the laps of people do you really realize how far you've come. When I look at the smiles, tears, laughs that come from looking at that book I know that I am doing what I planned to do, inspire, educate and love every minute of it!

Kayla