American Diabetes Association: I've Never Been More Alone...

I've Never Been More Alone...
Monday, August 8, 2005
By: Sharon Wattenberg

I've Never Been More Alone

...because I've outlived my parents, an only sibling - my sister, an uncle, aunt and one grandparent, who all died from Diabetes related illnesses.

October 9, 2005 will be 36 years since my father's death from Diabetes. The anniversary is only 7 days before the walk in NYC I will be attending this year for the first time. I was 16 years old and he was 48. Dad had already had both legs amputated below the knees and was going blind.

Since then, I've lost my mother some 21 years later when she was 69, my only sibling, my sister Renee, who was 52 just 6 years ago, an uncle, aunt and one grandparent. Now there is just me. I have already outlived my father and sister. Yet last summer, I managed to get to the lowest point in my life because I wasn't taking care of myself. The cardiologist was ready to hospitalize me and I knew I could do one of two things. I could do nothing. That is, to continue the route of my family with lousy habits - yes I said it - OR - what I did do. I decided to live.

But not just live. I want to live a GREAT life! I've lost 55 pounds so far. Last week, for the first time since I was diagnosed some 16 years ago, my blood sugars both morning and at night have been exactly where they should be. Okay, I might still be on insulin, but now I know I'm on the right track. I'm feeling better. I'm looking better and I'm also seeing the world in an entirely different light. My goal is to get off medication completely.

I will Walk for the Cure for my family, for me and all Diabetics so that eventually all of us can have a good life. I have to know I have done everythng I possibly could. Way back when I was 16, I knew nothing about being Diabetic and am certain my family didn't either.

There is a great life at the end of the rainbow and I'm going to help us all get there.