The Day for D-Blogging
Today is the fourth annual D-Blog Day. The day to blog about diabetes, and support others who blog about it too.
In November 2005, the first D-Blog day, I'd discovered and begun to read many of the blogs that were around back then. But I was yet to even post a comment on one of those blogs, let alone think about starting my own D-Blog. Despite that fact that I didn't respond to the call to de-lurk on -Blog day, seeing how the community came together was certainly a factor that played a big part in drawing me in to this fantastic community.
I started this blog less than two months later, but in November 2006, I missed D-Blog Day, wrapped up in depression and burnout, it took me several more days to be reminded that this is just what this community of people with diabetes is here for: to help us not feel so overwhelmed and alone.
Last year, I gave thanks to the community for getting me out of that funk. For understanding me. For inspiring me.
And I urge you to go back and read that post because, ultimately, I still feel the same way a year on.
Sometimes, though, I feel disconnected from the community. I don't always have the time that I'd like to read other blogs and post comments. I don't even have the time to write all that I'd like to here. I'm in a minority being outside of North America and sometimes the issues I face, especially with respect to insurance, are vastly different to those that others in the community experience. My two year fight for CGM coverage, as a prime example, was not the same as that faced by others. I don't always understand all of the issues others share, and I'm not sure that all my own issues are understood either.
But despite this, despite the number of times that I'm unable to offer support and feedback to others and the many times I don't directly get given it myself, the community remains very special to me.
To be able to open a browser window and connect myself instantly to so many places where I can read the personal day-to-day stories - struggles and triumphs - of others who live with diabetes, and who I can identify with, is priceless.
It's so far from anything that could have been imagined at my diagnosis 25 years ago, that I'd go so far as to call it magic.
Happy D-Blog Day!
Magic, yes, that's exactly what it feels like. :-)
Happy D-Blog Day, Caro!
Posted by: Sandra Miller | 9 Nov 2008 22:46:17
Happy D-Blog day! Glad to have you to share it with.
Posted by: Scott K. Johnson | 9 Nov 2008 23:07:29
We are as much alike as we are different, and that's what binds us together.
Happy D Blog Day to a kind and gracious lady.
Posted by: Minnesota Nice | 9 Nov 2008 23:37:36
Happy D-Blog Day, Caro! I think magic sums it up perfectly :)
Posted by: Jillian | 9 Nov 2008 23:37:51
Caro -
You are in the majority here in dBlogville, and your great! Happy D-BLog Day!
k2
Posted by: k2 | 10 Nov 2008 00:10:23
I appreciate your perspective!!
Posted by: Rachel | 10 Nov 2008 00:28:18
You're right, it is magic, even when we live far away from each other. And so, Happy D-Blog Day to you!
Posted by: Colleen | 10 Nov 2008 00:37:56
I'm glad you're out there, Caro. And you're right - I couldn't have imagined this community when I was diagnosed, even if I tried. It's truly inspirational.
Posted by: Kerri. | 10 Nov 2008 00:53:19
It is amazing. I couldn't have even begun to imagine I'd know so many fellow 'betics way back when. The difference it makes is really immeasurable. Happy D-Blog Day!
Posted by: Lee Ann Thill | 10 Nov 2008 01:11:10
Happy D-blog day! I'm still working on commenting on all the d-post! Whew!
It's been great getting to know you better on Twitter!
Posted by: Sara | 10 Nov 2008 16:22:08
Hi Caro,
My name is Elsa Pieterse. I'm sorry I'm a bit late for d-blog day, but here goes anyway.
I'm the 26 year old mother of a 3 and a half year old little boy with type 1 diabetes. He was diagnosed when he was 8 months old. He is on the minimed insulin pump. We have good days and bad days. Today is a relatively good day. He gets ill very quickly, and that's the biggest challenge. When he's ill his sugars go haywire!
He also has some other health issues. He has cfc syndrome (cardio-facio-cutaneous syndrome). In short he has a hole in his heart, he has low muscle tone (he's not walking yet), he's not talking yet, and there's a lot more I wont list now.
Even with all these challeneges he is the sweetest little boy and I love him to bits! He also now has a little brother (one month old) who thankfully has no health issues.
Sorry for the long post.
Regards.
Elsa.
Posted by: Elsa Pieterse | 20 Nov 2008 11:29:30
Hi Caro,
I have an award for you. Come on over to my site for the details.
Regards.
Elsa
Posted by: Elsa Pieterse | 22 Nov 2008 06:20:02