Am I happy to be a type 1 diabetic? [An Open Letter]

Dear Diabetes,

It has been nearly six years since I was diagnosed. Am I happy to be a type 1 diabetic? No, but I sure am grateful. I have been so blessed with amazing coaches, teachers, sisters, friends, and neighbors, however, second to my parents, Diabetes, you have taught me the most.

Dear Diabetes,

Do you ever take a break? Can’t I just go one day without having you with me? It is a daily cross to bear. Yet, I step back and realize there’s a lesson to be learned. Quitting takes a toll on myself. If I quit or cut corners with you, it will hurt me later that day or in the long run. The same goes for life, I cannot quit because it isn’t easy; I must see the end goal, the end beauty.

Dear Diabetes,

Thank you for showing me how beautiful my mother and Godmother are. As women tend to do these two ladies took something and made it better. They took my idea and wrote it in their heart for the love of me and more importantly for the love of others. They are working to give their love to people they have not even encountered yet. What can be more beautiful than that?

Dear Diabetes,

Please pick on me all you want. I can handle it. Not because I am stronger than anyone else with diabetes, but I have been blessed with the resources to combat your plague. I would take 4 shots at each meal for you to stop picking on people who have other illnesses, who can’t afford the supplies, who are too young to comprehend. I wish there wasn’t a need for the beautiful work of my mother and Godmother at Diabetes Will’s Way.

Dear Diabetes,

You gave me a second home. You gave me lifetime friends. Being diabetic, I got the opportunity to go to Chris Dudley Basketball Camp. It’s a place of love, of common ground, of learning, of community, of compassion. It’s where I feel myself. It’s where I am understood. It’s where being diabetic is no longer a burden, but a blessing.

Dear Diabetes,

Thank you for showing me the support I was blind to. I see with greater clarity because of you the endless love my family and friend have for me.

Dear Diabetes,

Thanks for the motivation and inspiration to give back. There is truly nothing greater than giving and receiving a thank you that means safety and peace of mind. Diabetes Will’s Way has been a platform for this joy. Although it may say Will’s Way, I know that the work my mom, Godmother, and board members put in is truly the way of Christ. They give for the sake of others just as He did.

Sincerely,

Will Oberndorfer