Do You See America…….Take the Time Today to Look.

 $th of JulyToday, in America, is Independence Day.  On this date America became the United States of America in 1776 (officially) and became a free and independent country.

On September 11th, 2001 I spent 36 hours nonstop in lower Manhattan in a situation I could have never planned, and would never hope to see again.  As my parents had, this was my generation’s ‘Day of Infamy”. 

As I watched two of the most known buildings in the worlds, and surely the most famous tandem-buildings in the world, crumble to the ground; as I watched pain and suffering that you could only have nightmares about; as I watched in horror as people so desperately wanted and needed to find loved ones that never would be found; I also watched something else—–I watched America. 

I saw an America that I wish everyone could have witnessed.  An America that reached out and helped, reached out and gave, and even reached out and bleed for their fellow Americans, because it was needed.

I saw it again years later when I was so active in the relief efforts of Hurricane Katrina.  As we were able to supply 10,000 people with diabetes supplies to last them a month.  Strangers sending supplies for the only reason; there was a need.

There have been times that this country has risen to heights one could never think imaginable.  Big displays and small ones.  Helping during a storm, a disaster, or an act of terror.  America is there for Americans.

I am sure it’s like that in other countries too, and people WILL DO for people, when called upon.  As I have my morning coffee and I look at the waterfall outside my front door and I look to the land beyond I think of this country and what she means to me.

I have seen countless times, in my life, the same goodness of people, the same willingness to be there, and the same drive and determination that this country was founded upon 237 years ago.

Many gave their lives for us to be here today.  In wars abroad, in wars on our homeland, and in wars of injustice against ourselves.   There are men and women in our armed forces and emergency responders who lay it all out there every day for one reason……..America.

So as you have your hot dog today, or march in a parade, or while watching the fireworks; take time to say a prayer of thanks.  We are neither perfect nor here by accident, we are here because people fight all the time to give us the protection and right to continue……as Americans.

Happy 4th of July.

I am a diabetes dad.

Please visit my Diabetes Dad FB Page and hit ‘like’.

When it Happens…..Is There Anyone Who Can Help?

blue candleCould anyone imagine a loss so huge?  I cannot.  Being part of this community we see it too often, don’t we?

Even once, is too much.

Is it happening more often or is it the fact that we are electronically connected that we find out about it……..sometimes instantaneously it seems?

One of the most incredible women I know is Michelle Page Alswager.  I have discussed her heroic action many times.  The loss of her beloved son has made her an expert in a category that no one should ever be asked to particpate…….ever. 

Being Michelle, she has incredibly reached out to those who have been in this horrific tragedy because she knows.   She knows all too well.  And yet, selflessly, she reaches out.

As we move forward I want you to know that should you hear that someone is in need, there is a group that can help (if any help would do).  There is a group of parents who have all had this most incredibly painful sacrifice who support others as only they can understand.

Should you hear of anyone in the process of dealing with this tragedy, please reach out to me and I will do all I can to connect them with Michelle or someone from this group.  I will not contact them myself.  And if any others who read this post want to volunteer to be contacted directly, they will let us know but I did not want to volunteer them.

I’m always amazed how connected this diabetes community is worldwide and how people take their experiences to help others……..no matter the personal cost.

This was not an easy column to write; but I KNOW this most incredible, select group of people; who have made themselves available for the worst possible moment in time.  Being part of this community, you should know also.

May no one ever have to reach out to them; but they are there.  They absolutely never wanted to be there either; and God Bless each and every one of them for opening up to their experiences and opening up their hearts as the rest of us never could. 

Any words I could say to this group would only sound like rhetoric, but thank you for being there for those who only you can understand; you all humble us to our knees.

I am a diabetes dad.

Please visit my Diabetes Dad FB Page and hit ‘like’.