Not that I am suggesting I won't have a trim in between, but I think I need a definite appointment on that particular day. The 14th of November, as you well know, has been set aside as World Diabetes Day. The International Diabetes Federation chose that date - Prince Charles' birthday (oh alright, Mr Banting's birthday too) - to encourage the world to become more aware of, and concerned about, diabetes.
Awareness is always a good thing, especially around preventable and curable diseases. It warns and encourages people to check various body parts and take the necessary action. I am most grateful that Andrew's cancer was caught early and treated. Type 2 diabetes can be prevented and controlled. But Type 1 can't. It is an autoimmune disease, and strikes for no known reason, and very quickly too. All it takes is a few days to go from a carefree 11 year old (in TD's case) to a insulin-dependent-for-ever PWD (Person with diabetes). Just this week and not for the first time, someone benignly told TD to "get better soon." It doesn't work like that - the diabetes club offers life long memberships only.
There was a gathering of mothers of T1 kids this Thursday, because that can be a kind of club too. Shared experiences can make us stronger. Community can be less lonely. Connectivity can be helpful. I didn't go. TD was home studying for exams, and stress overwhelmed her at about the time I was going to set off for the tea.
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| A beautiful and calm place to visualize |
So, back to World Diabetes Day and my hair appointment. I am thinking that next diabetes day I will do something that is both ordinary and nourishing: a hair cut fits the bill. It will be a nod to myself that life goes on regardless of mothering diabetes, but sometimes it is lovely to take time out to let someone pamper you.
These days there seems to be a month for everything. November alone celebrates, according to one website,
#Aviation history month
#International drum month
#Caregivers appreciation month
#Diabetes awareness month
#Model railroad month
#Novel writing month
#Peanut butter lovers month
#Jewelry month
#Sleep comfort month
#National Grumpy month
It's all a bit much. I guess we can pick and choose which to celebrate. But it makes me uncomfortable to have to celebrate T1 as it is unpreventable and incurable.
Of course, the above list is incomplete. It fails to mention that it is also MOVEMBER, to bring awareness and support for men dealing with testicular and prostate cancer, suicide and mental health issues. That means Andrew is cultivating his hairy upper lip look. This year he is going for the handlebar moustache. Sigh.
But if even one person is helped by all these awareness campaigns, they will have served their purpose.
Note to self: Schedule all my own health checkups early in the new year. And don't forget to book Bronwyn for 14 November.
Note to reader: I made up the National Grumpy Month. It just fitted my mood.
