This morning I was reading an article in Readers Digest about Randy Pausch who has pancreas cancer and was given a short time to live. In his interview RD asked if there were any (other) lessons he's learned along the way. His response:
"Make clear that people understand what your circumstances are. And looking for pity--that's a mistake."
I think therein lies the rub....how do we make people aware, try to get some understanding while at the same time knowing full well pity is NOT what we want? But doesn't it sometimes sound like we want pity? I mean I'm not looking for pity....but I am looking for understanding.
I suppose to get understanding is a lot like getting a child to understand a parents point of view. It will never happen until they become parents themselves. But that doesn't mean the parents don't try to get the children to somehow understand. Someday all the words and the gentle guidance they've given as a parent will come flooding in.
This is what my blog is all about. To impart understanding.....awareness... not pity. And one day when another mom or dad finds out their child has just been diagnosed with a lifelong chronic illness, such as Type 1, they'll read this and see there is someone else out there that understands.
When April 14th rolls around......as a special day to impart awareness for Type 1 diabetes....I for one will continue to do what I am doing. Share my life with others, and hope they gain some understanding. Diabetes doesn't go away, insulin is not a cure, it's a 24/7/365 constant disease.....but praise be to God there is insulin and J.J. can have a "normal" life......we can forever be thankful for the time we live in!!
1 comment:
You're right, Lynnea. It isn't that we want pity; we want understanding. That's a tall order, but we're going to try. And I agree - Praise be to God for insulin! He gave it to us & we're gonna use it.
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