Rambling Reflections

I had an appointment with my endocrinologist, yesterday. My A1C was 6.4, I was sure it was going to be over 7 with the MANY errors I had during the trial and error phase of setting up my pump. So I was pretty excited when the nurse told me my number. At my appointment, I felt like I had a mini graduation. I don't have to go back for another 3 months, and I don't have to check my post-meal blood sugars, thanks to my Dexcom. I was so excited yesterday, but now, I feel super anxious. My security blankets are being ripped away from me! However, I remind myself I have my doc's number pre-set in my phone, and if I get too concerned, my BG is only one stick away.

Then I stop and think of everything going on in the world, and all the trails I have with diabetes. It is all just a drop in the bucket. We have had 2 mass shootings in the US within weeks of each other. So many people won't get to spend the holidays with their families, they would probably give anything to deal with the highs and lows of diabetes, if it meant being with loved ones.

Now, I could get all political and delve into the topics of gun control and lack of mental health support, but I would just be another person filling the room with hot air. But when did we stop being human, or has it always been this way? When did we stop seeing the inherent worth and dignity of other human beings or that we are all created in God's image? I guess it has been that way for a long while.

My favorite part of Christmas is setting up the nativity. As a child, I always felt so much pride gingerly putting the delicate, ceramic pieces in their rightful place. As an adult, while setting up the nativity this year, I was stuck by he welcoming spirit of Mary and Joseph.  They did not ask where the visitors came from, who they worshiped, what they believed. They allowed them to celebrate in one of the most sacred moments of their young lives, the birth of their child. Jesus would later go on seeking company with sinners, prostitutes and even share his last meal with the man than that would betray him. I'm sure the man that committed acts of terrorism at the Planned Parenthood in Colorado Springs vehemently thought he was doing the right thing, but I just wish, we could all stop and really remember what Jesus stood for. He was the perfect example of "love you neighbor as yourself." If only we could do that once more.

Then you turn to the mass shooting in San Bernardino. Unfortunately, Muslims already have a rough rap these days, thanks to poor education and radicalization. I think to when Muhammad Pbuh was filled with the presence of God and became frighten. He sought comfort in his wife, Khadija, who reminded him that he was a kind and considerate person, who helped the poor and bared  their burdens. Who honored guests and helped those in distress. Although a motive for this shooting hasn't officially been set, it seems to be akin to radicalized Islam. But how can these radicals completely ignore the basis of which Islam was founded, helping the poor and peace? Thinking of the poor, bearing their burdens and peace is the central theme during Ramadan, how can we forget this?

So in this season of Advent for Christians, and Hanukkah for Jews, maybe some faith in God and humanity can be restored. May we all love our neighbors as ourselves and hope tragic events like this cease to occur.

Trying every day to take it, 1 Drop at a Time.

-MJS