Dear Michael,

I have been reading some of your posts and just want to say that I found them inspirational. My 12-year-old has had Type 1 for 3 years, and I can't help but worry about what her future holds, as regards complications. It's so good to hear that you are able to live a free and full life with your diabetes well in control. So often the magazines and literature focus on the negative side [as I guess they have to sometimes].

Reading about you gives me hope. Thank you.

Mariele--Big ****-eating grin here...! It is very gratifying to get feedback like yours. You daughter does have it in for her, but my feeling has always been thus: If I'd not grown up with diabetes, I'd have become somebody else, most likely somebody less strong, more complaining, less determined, more uncertain, less self-sufficient, most self-indulgent, less self-controlled, more self-centered. In other words, all the strengths of my personality I pretty directly trace back to being shaped by my diabetes. I know that's not necessarily the case with many diabetics--who grow up defiant, stay in denial, become depressed and suffer early complications. Good parenting, good luck and a strong spiritual (NOT religious) side has helped a lot. I'd never say it's been a joy ride, but it's always been a joyous one. It's never been easy, but it's always been inspiring. Your daughter will need all the breaks, but does have every opportunity for as much of a life as she'd care to go for--as much as anyone, in fact--you don't need to grow up with diabetes to ruin your life, any excuse will do. I maintain she's got advantages over many exactly BECAUSE of her diabetes.

Stay in touch, and I'm inspired to have been an inspiration to you.

Michael

Hey Michael, thank you for your kind response.
You know,I agree with so much of what you say. I have watched my daughter [who was terrified of injections before she developed diabetes] face situations with such courage and acceptance, it makes me feel humble.

Well, enough of me raving about my offspring. I'm just so proud of her. Thanks again,Michael, for your uplifting words, and your example. May the sun shine on your face today.

Mari.