I remember you. I remember all about you. I remember the day you walked into my life.
I remember what I was wearing, down to my boots. I remember the last meal I ate before you turned my life upside down. I remember what the weather was like, and how much money I had in my purse. I remember how that day panned out, down to the smallest details. The conversations, the minutia.
I don't remember what came before. Like the Abba song, I don't remember the day before you came. I don't remember what I wore, what I said, what I ate. Where I went. I know it was my brother's birthday, but only because, shockingly, that happens at that time every year. I remember being angry, and upset, and feeling unwell. But it's all vague. It's all fuzzy as though that very last day was something from another time. Which I suppose it was.
Because you walked into my life like an uninvited guest. You took off your shoes, and put your feet up on the table. And like it or not, you were here to stay. And you brought your baggage with you. All sorts of things I never wanted to have around or think about, but, like you, they were here to stay because they were a part of you.
So I had a permanent guest in my life. But whilst you left all these things around that I didn't want, every so often you'd do something nice for me. You'd bring home milk, or you'd buy some flowers. And on those occasions, I'd forgive you for being there in the first place. Almost.
And three years on, because of you, I have good days and bad days. And the bad ones can be really bad. They can suck, and have me in tears. But I have the good ones too. And on either end of that spectrum, I have a Facebook and Twitter feed full of friends that I met because of the fact that you came into my life. Friends who understand. Friends that I can't quite believe weren't in my life the day before you arrived. Who make a lot of the awful things you do to me that little bit better.
So even if you do run up bills, and tread mud into the carpet, I can cope with it. I have to. You're not going anywhere any time soon. I wish I could show you the door, and just look at the flowers and drink the milk, but sadly it's an all encompassing deal. You can't just pick and choose the parts that you like, much as you might want to.
Three years ago, I didn't know you. I might not know you completely now. But I'm getting there.
-
Now We Are Three.
Tuesday 1 May 2012
| Labels: being thankful, diagnosis, getting philosophical |
Posts
Wow -- I felt like I was reading a letter to an actual person. The "YOU" in this took on so much weight.
I love you, Becky!
Three years with diabetes, and *clink* to many more. You should be very proud of yourself.
<3 Ginger
This was like reading my thoughts on paper - but expressed in A far more beautiful and articulate way! Scaryi how much I could relate. I loved the analogy with the guest especially.
I was diagnosed when I was seven and, ten years later, I still don't truly 'know' my diabetes. I do know enough though to get snappy at anyone who insinuates they know better than I do... (*cough* doctors...!) I too have good days and bad days, and I'd like to say the latter get better, but I think it's more learning how to cope, and accepting them. Every cloud has a silver lining <3
Take care
Sophs
i'm sorry that this entered your life at a time when you were probably assuming that the rest of your life was about to blossom seamlessly before you. i understand the frustration with your uninvited guest and i wish i could take it away from you and everyone else it visits and never leaves including my husband and child who have lived with it now for 30 and 4 years respectively.
our daughters *d-day* is march 17. it still hurts, but we live and laugh and deal with it as an accomplishment that we can be proud of. it takes alot of work to keep this unwelcome guest in our lives quiet and co-operative, you should be proud of yourself for managing it for the last 3 years!
lovely blog, keep up the good work and stay strong! best wishes, trina
poetry! thank you for sharing.
Hi Becky,
I was wondering if you accepted any guest posting on your site. I couldn’t manage to find your email on the site. If you could get a hold of me at jeff@drugwatch.com, I would greatly appreciate it!
Thanks,
-Jeff