I'd planned on some elaborate post being the end-all-be-all tribute to the wonderous person I consider my biggest supporter. Words. Poetry. Picture prose. Something grand, as that's what is deserved. Heck, even in realizing that it wasn't going to play out that way and it was self-defeating behavior to even think I could write something eloquent to capture it all, I pondered changing tunes and going with a funny anecdote about my Cat or Dog and the support (or non-support?) that they give me. But in the end, it didn't materialize that way and I've run out of time or creativity. Maybe, it's because words can't describe how significant a part of my life this person is, and how much a foundation and fixture I've come to rely on this person's ability to not only put up with my personal craziness, but also everything rolled into my D-Life.
So, to offer just a tiny glimpse of this person's support that can't possibly encompass everything or do justice, I give you a story to contemplate.
On Monday, I escaped work a little earlier thanks to the many extra hours I'd put in the previous week. Part of the early-leave was to get home for a much-needed lawn mowing before the forecast and visibly approaching rainstorm set in. Without even changing out of my work clothes, I pulled out the lawnmower and started what I expected to take an hour or so to complete. Our smaller, unfenced backyard came first - as it grows to lengths we fondly describe as "the forest" thanks to the dog doing her business out there. I started the mowing, and did about a quarter of the back before the lawn mower decided to quit on me.

Instantly, I spotted the candy packs of fruit-flavored Royal Rolls on the kitchen table where I sat. These were long lost but recently-discovered Christmas gifts from my aunt, and they're basically like LifeSavers. A roll of 6 little candies equals 18g, so I unsealed a new one and stuffed the candies into my mouth. Before long, I felt the effect. Added some PB and Saltines to the mix to help it all stay with me and prevent a future drop.
Suzi returned, filled up the fussy lawnmower with fresh gasoline, and offered to finish for me. I stayed inside and managed to bring my sugar level up with some more Royal Rolls, then joined her outside and grabbed the edger to start trimming the non-lawnmower parts of the grass. Our teamwork prevailed, beating out the rainstorm that didn't arrive until later that evening.

Of course, there are very many others who support me and have done so throughout my 26 years of living with the D - mom, dad, family, friends, co-workers, bosses, swimming teammates, fellow students, fraternity brothers, and OF COURSE the Diabetes Online Community... There are just too many to name, as Kelly puts it: "It Takes A Village."
Everyone is irreplaceable. And I can't say Thank You enough. Because without Suzi and everyone else, I'd be a goner.
10 comments:
It sounds like you have an amazing "lawnmowing parner"!
You are blessed to have such a supportive and loving wife by your side, I am sure she is feeling the love from you with this wonderful tribute to her!
and I also think back to that story about how Suzi looked after you that morning when you didn't turn up for work ;) She's awesome - totally the perfect biggest supporter.
So Sweet!! You are very lucky to have her, and seems like you know it too!! I think it a real special person to love us diabetics, since there is so much work and uncertainty involved.
Thank you for sharing Michael. I think this will be a very uplifting day and encouraging for me to know that Caleb can grow up and have the commitment, love and support of a spouse to help him live with diabetes. I'm happy to know that you have that.
I hope my boys find a wonderful partner such as yours. It is one of the many things that I worry about. I know it will take a special woman to support them in their battle.
I'm glad that you have her to be there for you. And I love the title "lawnmowing partner". :)
I hear you man, our spouses are awesome!
As is the DOC!
No worries about being witty. It's nice to just say it like it is.
Can someone please pass me a tissue...
Great! I think the two of you are the most blessed partners who achieved great success on your Lawn Mower and lucky to have a most supportive and loving partner.
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