T.G.I.F. (Thanking Great Individuals Forever)…….these dads are serious.

Today’s T.G.I.F. are a group of men I met recently.  When I was over in the UK with the Children with Diabetes I met a group of dads, an amazing group of dads.

They are regulars dads, husbands, partners, with regular jobs, likes, responsibilities and in many ways are just like any other dads…….but they have achieved something that I have not witnessed before in my 20 years at this ‘diabetes’ thing…….they have a bond, a really tight bond.

They have created a mechanism that works for them incredibly well.  They have a trust.  They have a place they go where they can talk about anything they want from diabetes to sports to anything else that comes into their lives that they need to discuss.  They do it in a place that they have built where there is a comfort level knowing that it will stay within the confides of the group.  When it comes to dads, this kind of group is unique to me.

There ARE dads groups and discussion groups that are run very well, but these men have made a location where it is mano y mano only to discuss whatever it is they need to discuss in dealing with diabetes and life.  This is a support group with a rock solid foundation of trust.

My main point about this group is that they came together and created what they needed to work for them.  Many may not believe it is ‘okay’ to have a mens only and invite only group; and surely you are entitled to your opinion.   But as I read over some of their subjects that are discussed, I was moved deeply as these men truly pour their hearts out to each other when it comes to the way they deal with diabetes in their household.

This is not a “man vs. woman thing”, rather this is a place where opinions on everything are on the table; for discussion, for help.  Many professionals will tell you that one of the most important issues in dealing with anything is communication.  Sometimes that self-searching begins with discussions with those you trust and understand because they are dealing with the same ‘life’ as you are and may have achieved better results.

However this all works, it works for this group of dads and it works extremely well.  The specifics will remain with them and their actual location will remain theirs.  Another major point is that whatever is needed to deal with diabetes, it takes a lot of work to make it happen.  In the lives of these dads, diabetes was just not acceptable and they needed a place to learn from each other…..and they created such a place……and THAT is a really good thing.  Perhaps we all can learn that something important, something needed, should be sought until found.  These men surely did.

Take a bow dads, I envy your fellowship and you are diabetesdad’s TGIF.

I am a diabtesdad.

Diabetes Winning in your House?—3 Who Inspire Daily—Learn.

Are you living on life support?   I’m amazed when I read or hear some of the stories people relay living life with their children and the ‘new’ normal of diabetes in the household.  Some good, some not so good.  But let’s focus on the good and see if it can help those who live with such adversity in their life.  Ask yourself this as you move forward reading, am I living to the fullest or am I allowing myself to be beaten?

Remember this; we all are living with diabetes and I am fully aware that sometimes it will always get us into the dumps.  No matter how great an attitude we think we have, there will always be a time when we need a jump-start because we just get so tired.  (dealing with an all night blood sugar over 500 this week…..such a time).

But why is it that we can read stories or a Facebook post from Moira McCarthy or Diane Pridmore, and even on a bad day, they put a smile on our face with how they approach dealing with day-to-day diabetes? 

Diane has this incredible talent of making you feel present at her child’s Miss Kitty themed birthday party and make you smile with delight in her descriptions; and on another day she will zap you with:
“Here’s a news flash: I don’t have diabetes. My son does and until you get up three, four, eight times a night…. Write a 504…. Battle a nurse….or any other obstacle in human life PLUS diabetes you should STFU. Message me or call me and I am happy to educate you. Proper.”
But nowhere do you get the feeling that this mom is ever going to let diabetes win this war.  Her strength and willingness to help anyone who comes across her path is downright enviable.

Moira has been at this for 15 years…..15!!!!!  This is extremely important to take notice because this mom’s fight seems stronger than when she started when her daughter was diagnosed in 1997.  A recent post on Facebook:
“Yesterday I spoke at the Joslin at a really cool event for teens with Type 1 and their parents — sponsored by ADA, Joslin and the College Diabetes Network. Last night a donation to my JDRF Ride to Cure effort came through from a dad I met THAT DAY. I mean, wow. And: more proof that most of the d organizations work in harmony.”
Seriously?  Does this look like a woman who has any intention of slowing down soon? 

Even those Parents that suffered the absolute incredible ultimate heartache teach us a lesson every day.  This was posted today by Michelle Page Alswager who lost her son Jesse;
“I could spend the day reliving one horrific and indescribable day or I can spend it reliving 13 great years of memories. Happy 16 Jesse. We miss you.”  

How bad is your day…….really?    

What’s my point?  You can let every single detail of diabetes in your life; each high, low, insulin reaction, pump malfunction, not eating, eating too much, kids not listening and any other struggle strapped down with the weight of the world and let it pull you under……..or……..you can deal with diabetes to the best of your ability; suffer the pains, but LIVE the LIFE.

DO not think for one moment that the three women I highlighted here today don’t have the absolute low of the lows sometimes?  You cannot control diabetes coming into your home, but you can control what you do with it when it takes up residence.

Diane, Moira, and Michelle are great teachers of that……..it’s up to you whether you choose to learn or not.  They have taught me plenty……..how about you?

I am a Diabetesdad.