‘It’s always there.” (The one where I answer my own question of “Why keep advocating?”

It’s a worthy question; one that deserves a thoughtful response. If I spend so much of my time speaking and writing about how someone can thrive and embrace life despite diabetes, why do I spend so much time raising funds … Continue reading ‘It’s always there.” (The one where I answer my own question of “Why keep advocating?”

What I learned on my ride, year two: The one when I know its okay to just be okay

In less than three weeks I’ll be pedaling along my second JDRF Ride to Cure Diabetes route, this time 100 miles along the Mississippi River in Wisconsin, Minnesota and Iowa. Am I ready? I think so. One thing I do know: once again, I’ve learned so much from my training and fundraising experience. I did a 68 miles ride the other day. At my slowwwww pace, that gives me a lot of time to meditate, ponder, reflect, whatever you call it. Some thoughts I had are worth sharing, because, as always, this ride experience gives me a chance to think … Continue reading What I learned on my ride, year two: The one when I know its okay to just be okay

I Held Hope in My Hands, Part 2 (the one with Anna, her Awesome Abs and the APP Trial)

Last week I shared how I HELD HOPE IN MY HANDS, and to be honest with you, I’m still kind of buzzing with a totally feeling of – to go all Guilana Rancic on you – amaze-balls. I honestly mean it when I say that while I’d truly been in on the discussion and idea of APP since nearly the ground floor, it wasn’t until I saw it in action on Anna that it truly clicked for me. So today, an update. Anna and I spoke last night at length about her feelings at this point, and you need to … Continue reading I Held Hope in My Hands, Part 2 (the one with Anna, her Awesome Abs and the APP Trial)

I Held Hope In My Hands (The one were my daughter raises her hand and says “Let it be me”)

Since Lauren was diagnosed way back in October of 1997, I’ve insisted we do two things consistently: not let diabetes steal our joy in life, and focus on “visualizing hope.” The first one has been a challenge but I’d check off “well played!” so far in our lives. The second? It’s not been easy. Hope in itself is relatively simple. You feel it in your heart. You keep it in your head. You grab onto little snippets and bits and sound bytes and studies and information and you absorb it. But you cannot really “see” or “touch” hope, right? Although … Continue reading I Held Hope In My Hands (The one were my daughter raises her hand and says “Let it be me”)

The TRUTH: (The one were I say suckity suck suck more than once)

  I was sitting with my daughter with diabetes and chatting with a person who has known her all her life. Lauren was in town for a quick visit and I have to say it: she looked great. We were talking about life and friends and some kids we know who are going through a semi-rough time (not medical related, more personal stuff). The visitor looked at Lauren and said this: “You’re lucky. You’ve never had to deal with any big problems in your life.” I jumped up, picked the person up and threw them through the window at a … Continue reading The TRUTH: (The one were I say suckity suck suck more than once)