The importance of community
Yesterday I was able to experience the D-blogging community uniting around D-Blog day. When you have a chance, take a moment to look at what people posted about the day. It's inspirational and moving, sharing and supportive. For me it's a great example of an online community in action.
And this morning I was blessed that I could attend a pumpers group meeting that happens on the 2nd Saturday of each month in Woburn, MA. This is a strong group of caring folks that get together so they can learn about some aspect of diabetes care. That's the months when there's an organized presenter.
But some months we get together to see how everyone is doing and share experiences and anecdotes about life with diabetes.
If you've never had a chance to be with a group of folks who all have Type 1 diabetes it's hard to explain the instant connection that you have with each other. There's also a freedom that comes with no having to explain why you're fiddling with a pump on your belt, or sticking your finger to take a blood glucose test.
This is community in action in the best sense of the word.
Maybe you'd like to get a group like this going in your area. Sounds impossible? Well why not join one of the local groups in TuDiabetes and see whether you can't find other folks nearby and just start with a few of you.
You might be surprised at the benefit and support you can get and give from time with good friends sharing a common diabetes connection.
posted by Bernard @ 11:57 PM
7 Comments:
what a cool post and a great chance to connect. it makes such a difference. thank you!
Wow, Bernard, this looks EXACTLY like the pumpers' group I attend periodically here in CA.
I wonder if those are "real" diabetics, or if they just ship the same group of "supportees" around the country to stage these things ;)
That's great! I would love the ability to get together with other diabetics in my community. Unfortunatly, I live in a really small community and it is hard to find other diabetics period, let alone ones who want to meet in an diabetic support group.... Oh well, TuDiabetes and the OC tend to be my support group. It works well. :)
I love pumpers groups......really makes you feel connected!
It's great that you have that in your area. That's also a great suggestion about meeting people through TuDiabetes.
I had hoped to maybe meet people at the JDRF walk, but with all the people and commotion it wasn't really possible. Regardless, you are right,communty is so important!
I'd love to visit and sit in on one of these one day. I live right in cambridge so it's not that far away.
That looks like a lot of fun ; )
There is a pump group that meets/is scheduled by the CDE at my Endo’s office that I’d LOVE to attend BUT with the meetings scheduled for 530pm on Wednesdays and the office being in Center City Philly the traffic and parking situation makes getting there, anywhere in the neighborhood of on time, damn near impossible!
Post a Comment
Links to this post:
Create a Link
<< Home