Being a Type 1 diabetic there are a lot of struggles. There are a lot of days that seem to only go downhill and it can be so mentally draining. However, Type 1 can make some long lasting impressions and moments that I will remember for the rest of my life.

1. When I was first diagnosed with diabetes, my mom and I were sitting on a bench in the hospital. As a 9 year old, I didn’t really understand what was going on. My mom was crying and I couldn’t understand why. A stranger noticed my mom’s distress and offered her a cup of water and tissues. Ever since I have always wanted to act like that stranger. The simple act of kindness is so important in life.
2. Miss Idaho walking out in her bikini while wearing her insulin pump. I thought that this was so cool because it helped to remind me that there are so many people that deal with diabetes. Even pageant winners. Also I was featured on the Today Show for her campaign #ShowMeYourPump.
3. Clara Barton Camp was, for a very long time, the only place that made me feel “normal.” CBC allowed me to meet so many people that deal with some of the same struggles that I have. This camp was such a magical experience for me. And I’m so appreciative of all the relationships that I have developed because of it.
   
4. This past year I was staying at a hotel and I saw someone changing their pump battery. I went up to them and just started talking about diabetes. After my twenty minute conversation I went back to my friends and they said “Diabetes is kind of like a friendly cult” and I realized that it is. For me, I have never seen a person with diabetes and not went up and started talking to them. Type 1 allows people to connect with each other.
5. Diabetes always gives me something to talk about and it took me a while to be thankful for it. Diabetes has given me many opportunities that I wouldn’t have had if I was ‘normal’ like I was so desperate to be when I was younger.