Friday, February 5, 2010

Change Happens Slowly---

As most of the T1 peeps know, Oprah attempted diabetes on her show yesterday with Dr. Oz. I chose not to watch because I knew it would get my blood boiling because far too often Type 1 and Type 2 are lumped together as "Diabetes." It is extremely frustrating for me. It's not right, but it's what happens. People have been trying for decades to spread awareness about Type 1 Diabetes. The outcome has been interesting.

What I've come to realize is change happens slowly.

We can't change the world overnight--as much as we might like to. Think about your experiences with diabetes. Those of you who parent a Type 1 kido and those of you with no connection to diabetes at all. How much did you know before a family member's dx or before you started reading my blog? Chances are, not much. I sure didn't. Before Sydney's diagnosis I fell into that group of "ignorant people" who drive me nuts now. :-)

Did Oprah have the opportunity to inform millions of people about Type 1 yesterday--yes. Did she do that? From what I've read, no.

But change happens slowly.

We all are doing the very best we can with what we've been given. And because of our best, we are helping people--not in the immediate masses like Oprah can. But we are informing people. It's just taking time. Think about all the family and friends who you have told about Type 1 Diabetes. Think about all these people that knew nothing about Type 1 before YOU came along. Now think about the people they have told. See the ripple effect we are having? Is it immediate? No.

Change happens slowly.

I have had the opportunity to inform many people about Type 1 Diabetes. I've had several people leave comments on my blog saying that I've helped them understand this disease better. Those are my small steps...baby steps. We may not have the immediate mass power that Oprah has but through our small steps and doing our personal best, we are informing the masses. Since YOU came along, talking and blogging about Type 1 Diabetes, YOU have helped change mindsets. Not millions in one day but small numbers do add up over a lifetime.

Change happens slowly.

Type 2 Diabetes will always take the front stage in situations like this. Why? Because out of all the diabetics only 10 small percent are Type 1. Type 2 affects the greater number of people. Type 2 is a serious disease and I think it was important that it was addressed because the majority of Type 2 people can CHANGE their course in life. Of course I wish we had more exposure for Type 1, but, rest assured our voice is heard. Our stories are told. We can't climb Mt. Everest in day. We can't run a marathon without training. We can't change the world overnight. But, one step at a time, one voice at a time, we can climb Everest. One day at a time we can train for that marathon. And eventually, we will change the world. But we need to remember...

Change happens slowly.

12 comments:

The Lane Family said...

I do appreciate how you have explained and educated me about Type 1 diabetes.

I have Type 2 and it is basically due to lifestyle and a few other issues that led me down this road. As it is for most people.

The sad thing about Type 1, and what people do not understand is that they kids and those with the disease do not have choices that could have prevented it.

Thank you Shamae to you and to other Type1 mom's who continue to work at educating people. Even if you help one person understand the disease it is one more :)

Amy said...

Beautiful post Shamae....you are SO right. Change does come slowly...and it could never come as fast as we want it to!
Thanks for posting your video again...Jada watched the video with me and wanted to know all about Sydney!

:) Tracie said...

Very nice Shamae.

phonelady said...

you hit the nail on the head girl and yes oprah had a chance to educate and she did not . that is sad that someone like her who goes into millions of homes a day and she chose the wrong road . You are right we cannot educate everyone .

Wendy said...

Beautiful.

I'm so honored to be walking this slow road with a friend like you.

LaLa said...

You are so right. I didn't know anything about T1 until 9/09 but now I just want to shout it from the rooftop! Thank you for a beautiful post. As Wendy said above - - - I am so happy to have you walk this slow road with me. Although today had felt more like a crawl.

Mike LeBlanc said...

I too was among the "T1 ignorants" before we were chosen the start playing this game. I believe that it's our duty as T1 families to educate. And like you said, eventually things will change, slowly but surely.

Heidi / Jack's Pack said...

Well-said, Shamae! Beautiful video, too!!

Wendy said...

Slowly but surely.. I really do wish that i could just scream at some people some days though! Thank you for everything. I took a pic of all of Averys supplies for his video too. Man its crazy to see it like that huh?? Makes my heart hurt

Jenni said...

beautiful post Shamae!

KLTTX said...

That video is amazing. I have learned so much about Type 1 since I've started reading your blog.

Tonya said...

my friend posted a link to your blog on fb. I also have an auto-immune disease. It has been a lonely struggle to feel understood in my illness. Ignorance is all around us. You are doing good by sharing your daughter's story and being her voice. Your daughter is couragous and beautiful!!!! God bless you and your sweet family!