Camaraderie

There is something undeniably great about meeting another Type 1. There is an unsaid connection, a sense of understanding, relief and a camaraderie in the fight against this disease. I want to meet more of you Type 1's! I can count every Type 1 diabetic that I have met in the past 14 years of living with this disease, which is to say that there are very few.  I remember every detail of our encounters.

There was a girl in high school who I played basketball with, but we were teenagers and had adolescent insecurities to deal with, not diabetes. Then there was a girl in my dorm in college, whom I never really connected with and have since lost contact.  Last year, I met a guy in a cooking class my husband got for me, who I identified with in so many ways it was creepy. We had similar life paths, but he was leaving for Honduras in a week, so the friendship that could have ensued, ended before it began. Most recently there was the nurse in the ER who stitched my finger that I sliced while chopping squash. She had had two children successfully and my husband and talked to her for an unknown amount of time at the midnight hour while she neglected her other duties.  She lives in Ann Arbor, Michigan, we live in Chicago, IL. That sums it up. Four type 1's in 14 years. Which brings me to the point of this post. After the ER visit my husband initiated a support/social group for Type 1's in the Chicago area and it has gained a few members. We met up tonight and my spirits are high. It's comforting to know that there are others out there that are living life just like me.

If your in Chicago, come hang out with us on the first Wednesday of the month! We are Young & Type 1. We meet at the Dollop Cafe in Uptown. It is GOOD.