Hi, I'm Anna

[annaminlo]

:) HI My name is anna

I am brand new at this and I am worried i am never going to make a new friend. I am 9 years old and i am on the pump. I am alergic to wheat and i have celiac. I sometimes hate diabetes but i like it some times. I was diasgnosed at age 8. I have a nick name Diawheatie

My family is going to the Seattle CWD conference in February. I am not sure what to think or expect. Write back please


Anna:):)Diawheatie:)

[s0ccerfreak]

Hi Anna, I'm not really a "kid" anymore, my name is Rae and I'm 17. I have had Diabetes since I was 7 so a little before you. I saw that nobody had responded so I though I would say hi! If you ever want to talk to someone who is older about anything D related or not I'm cool with that, either post it here, send me a message, or pop on in the teens-lounge- they're all really cool and willing to talk. I hope you find some cool friends here as well as when you go on your trip.

[studiostu]

Hi Anna,
Actually, I think you're already making friends... right here on this site! First, I must say that I am FAR from being a 'kid;' I'm probably more like your parents' generation. (Note: After sharing this message with my wife, I'm reminded that I'm probably a bit older than your parents; but, you get the point.) I don't think "older" people should normally intrude in the "Kids" section ; but, since I started as a 'kid' with Diabetes, I wanted to send along some thoughts. Though you certainly sound quite smart - and, you probably already know to do this - PLEASE share this note with your parents. (I, too, have daughters.)

You (and, Rae) are waaay ahead of me -- I was 13 when I was diagnosed... nearly 40 years ago. Not only will diabetes not stop you from making friends, it won't stop you from doing ANYTHING! (Let's face it, if someone didn't want to be your friend because of diabetes, celiac, or, anything else, who'd want them for a friend anyway??) In my experience over the years, I've been fortunate to meet many people who wanted to work with me as a [I]partner in dealing with my diabetic issues.

While I think it's perfectly normal to be "mad" at diabetes at times, I decided early on that I simply wasn't going to let diabetes stand in my way in terms of living my life. I went through school, college, a New York career, got married, took trips, etc.; and, I'm still going strong. Sure, we should always be well prepared (with extra food, medications, etc.); but, when someone I'm with needs a band-aid, I bet you can guess who they turn to! The way I look at it, being a diabetic is just "normal" to me.

Even from how you expressed yourself in your brief note, I can tell that you are the kind of person who will grow to see - and, DO - amazing things in your life. And, as you get older, your friends will be turning to YOU for advice on following a healthy diet and eating the right things... because you'll already be an expert.

I'm sure you want to hear from people your own age; however, if you ever need some encouragement from members of the "older generation," please feel free to write/respond any time.

By the way, I think "Diawheatie" is a very cool nickname! As we say around here, Diabetics are the Sweetest People!

I hope your family has a great trip to Seattle.
Good Luck!
Stu

[Tori]

I live in seattle. when is this confrence thing?

[BobbyJackElmo]

Do you want to be my best friend?i dont have a best friend and never have had one always wnted one i know life seems hard not talking to diabetics and not having diabeticfriends.message me!

[annaminlo]

Hello

Thank you all for responding. I would love to be a buddy diabetic. I love bobby jack do u. The confrence in seattle is at the rennisance hotel and it is called focus on pumping. It is next month. It is put on by>:cwds:

Thank u all again,
Anna:)