At the heart of the matter: What matters to the person with diabetes isn’t always what matters to us.

A quick note of apology for the lapse in blogging here. Blame it on Irene: We had no power for days and days. But I’m back. Waiting for the roofer to fix the torn-up roof but back nevertheless.  It never really dawned on me how at odds our diabetes desires are with those of our loved ones with diabetes. Yes, we share the relentless drive for a cure and we look daily for better treatments. True, we all think diabetes blows. But I’m beginning to think that the deep-down wishes and worries of those who care about someone with diabetes … Continue reading At the heart of the matter: What matters to the person with diabetes isn’t always what matters to us.

Diabetes Education for All: We need to make it happen

Last week’s foray into “Diabetes Rehab” got me thinking: are we educated enough in this diabetes life? At diagnosis they bombard us. I remember those days in Children’s Hospital of Boston back in 1997 as a blur of doses and charts and explanations and assurances. It almost felt like one of those French immersion classes. They put us on lockdown in there and only speak diabetes for a few days – they set us out, hoping we’ve found some fluency. In the early years each endo appointment felt like another lesson. I think they eeked us into knowing most of … Continue reading Diabetes Education for All: We need to make it happen

DO IT: Finding some sanity in this crazy D world

Sometimes it takes a little extra somethin’ from somewhere you just don’t expect to get you through this diabetes life. One day, it might be a lovely post someone leaves on your facebook page. Another, it might be experiencing some success in a fundraiser to help fund research. Another, it might just be a good friend listening (and providing the really good coffee—thanks, Anne). For my daughter and for me, all that has popped up when we needed it. But recently, nothing’s been quite doing it for us. She has struggled with her daily diabetes routine (and who can blame … Continue reading DO IT: Finding some sanity in this crazy D world

Checking out for a few days

Yeah, yeah. You start a blog, you owe it to your readers to keep on bloggin’ on. But before I am anything else — skier, writer, author, tennis player, troublemaker at beach club parties, first in line at steak on the lawn night at the yacht club, I am “Mother of my kids.” And this week, my kid with diabetes needs me by her side at the “Do It Program.” Today was day one and I thought it was pretty fantastic. There were a few things my daughter and I chortled about but overall, I think this is a really … Continue reading Checking out for a few days

The Promise to Remember Me Campaign: A chance to be a leader

I’ve heard it a thousand times over the years. “Well, you’re family is connected. I mean, you know people in Washington on a personal level. So it’s different for you in advocacy.” Well, this is true. But what most might not realize is the way my family became “Connected” in the first place: via the JDRF Promise to Remember Me Campaign. Okay, so it is true that my family in general is pretty well known around the Boston area, via my wonderful late Grandfather, William H. Ohrenberger Sr. (Imagine my eldest daughter’s surprise when she recently found out that, by … Continue reading The Promise to Remember Me Campaign: A chance to be a leader