There are lots of things in life that bond folks together; faith, parenthood, jobs, family, friendship, circumstances. Lots of us know that dealing with a chronic illness can do the same! Yesterday was a prime example.
I teach piano at a great local performing arts school and my boss informed me yesterday that I had a new student who was a 10 year old Type 1 diabetic.
"REALLY?!?" I was so excited. This made me excited because I love any chance I get to use this piece of crap disease for greater human good.
When her time slot rolled around I was so stoked to meet her!
Me: Hi! I'm Ms. Windy your new teacher.
K: Hi. *nervous smile and handshake*
Me: So I hear you have Type 1 diabetes.
K: Um, yeah. *looks insecure and kind of intimidated*
Me: Well, I have it too. Do you have a pump? *I pull back my cardigan and show off the pump on my hip*
This is the greatest part. This is where her face switches from scared and nervous to *OH MY GOSH! SHE IS JUST LIKE ME!!*
She immediately stood taller, got excited, and became a chatterbox. She whipped out her insulin pump (which was in an adorable pink carrying case) and showed me.
K: "I'm getting a new one soon with the blood sugar checker in it" *She meant CGM, too cute*
Me: That's great! I have one too. *Miss Bionic Woman pulls the Dexcom out of her briefcase* It's really changed my life, it's great to be able to just look down and know where my levels are at.
K: I'm really excited about it.
Me: That's great!! Now let's get started here with these piano books.
I love the diabetes bond. =) It's one great thing about this monster.
