January 9, 1963 … that’s my D Day. I was three years old and I don’t remember much, other than a nurse next to the hospital bed demonstrating how to give an injection. What a first memory.
Living with diabetes during the 60’s and 70’s was tough. By today’s standards, it was primitive. Looking back, every day was a challenge. Insulin had been discovered 40 years earlier and kept me alive. Since then, I’ve been blessed with blood meters, insulin pumps, faster acting insulin, sensors that provide continuous glucose data, access to medical care and a mind to absorb it all. Friends and family were there for me every step of the way.
In the weeks leading to my 50th Diaversary, my feelings were a mixture of accomplishment, blessings, curiosity, loss, and hope. At the top of my list was a thank you to those who had helped me along the way. With humility and appreciation, I’d like to share my list of those who have helped me on my journey with type 1. This listed is provided chronologically.
Gratitude #7: Tullis Hall Ice Cream
Candy such as jelly beans, sugar babies, lifesavers, and tootsie pops. Candy bars including Snickers, Butterfingers, and Baby Ruths. Soda drinks like Coke, Pepsi, RC Cola, and Dr. Pepper. Sugared cereals like Captain Crunch, Sugar Pops and Smacks. These were the...
Gratitude #6: Athletes of 60s & 70s
My childhood was all about being outside and active. Kicking a ball onto the front face of our home’s roof and running to the backyard to catch the ball before it hit the ground. Did that over and over. Day after day. Elementary school graduated to recess with...
Gratitude #5: Jennifer
My one sibling, Jennifer, is two years younger than me and was 18 months old when I was diagnosed. Growing up, we were a tight family and did things together. So it’s fair to say that she also lived with my diabetes. This included observing my morning insulin...
Gratitude #4: Insulin
In 1920-1921, a Toronto laboratory dog’s pancreas was removed; a hormone from the displaced organ was isolated and then injected back into the dog. The results were amazing … the symptoms of the dog’s diabetes went away within days of injections. This hormone was...
Gratitude #3: Dr. Jack Burr
My diagnosis was similar to most. I had been sluggish for weeks, lost weight and was making frequent visits to the bathroom. My Mother called our family pediatric practice. A young, recent medical school graduate had become part of the practice. His name was Jack...
Gratitude Entry 2: Dad
Both my Mom and Dad were there for me as I grew up living with diabetes. This was the 1960’s and 70’s and my Mom mostly stayed home with my sister and I, while my Father worked. My Dads work didn’t require much travel, so he was there for us every day. He encouraged...
Gratitude Entry 1: Mom
Reflecting back on the first 20 years of my diabetes, I sometimes wonder how I made it. Much of the credit goes to my Mother. In many ways, she lived diabetes with me. There’s not much a three-year-old can do to manage diabetes. So, that’s where my Mother stepped in....