A Comfort Bubble
Thursday, November 19, 2009 at 9:08AM On Saturday November 14th, I spent most of my day tweeting with other D-folks, reading blogs, and promoting videos. It was a good day for awareness but one post in particular really struck a chord with me.
My friend Karen at Bitter-Sweet wrote about being Blue on World Diabetes Day. Her and her husband went to the mall which is typically an enjoyable experience but this time she wondered if anyone knew why she was wearing blue or if anyone saw her check her blood at lunch time.
She wrote about the Online Community of diabetics that we have found and that which most of us find such normalcy and comfort in. I cannot agree more. When I read blogs and tweets about others struggles it makes me feel less alone. But the truth is, when I shut down my computer, put my iPhone away, and walk out of my house, the bubble is gone and once again I am alone.
That bubble that exists online is a safe place for us. Here I have a place I can write freely about my disease and if I need any support I know that my online D family will be there for me. But outside of this place, my support is limited.
The problem is my wife, children, sisters, mom, best friends, and co workers cannot provide the support you all give me. It is not their fault at all. In fact, I am thankful that they cannot provide the support I get from those of you who live with this each and every day. They try and I know it hurts them when I get more off of my chest here then I can to them. That is ONLY because they don't have diabetes. They are there for me in every other way and I love them immensely.
So I guess the conclusion is that this bubble is important and I will never leave it. I just have to remember that there are different bubbles for different aspects of my life and this one, here online cannot be created outside of it. Unless of course we all hang out sometime together soon.
Wouldn't that be nice?
Reader Comments (8)
I LOVE OUR BUBBLE! Our support with the type 3's in our life is important and paramount, But the support we from those who live our diabetes experiences daily is PRICELESS!
BACON!
Thanks so much for this post, George. You hit the nail on the head with this one. Thanks for letting me be in your bubble! :-)
I love my online bubble:) I would be pretty lonely. I'm thinking about creating an offline bubble; just have to figure it all out. talk to you later
I agree. The DOC has made my three short years with T1 easier to handle.
I completely understand, but couldn't describe it in words that made sense. Real life meet ups for DOC?? sounds fabulous!
I'm so touched that my post spoke to you and that you wanted to write about it. See, you get exactly where I was coming from, because we're in this bubble together!!! I love the bubble (and you) like bacon. And I can't wait to see you in the real world again. :)
Although I really should write about my wonderful supportive husband too. No, he doesn't completely understands - but he tries hard and helps me so much. Remember he and I putting our heads together for "Guess The Carb Count"? He rocks!!
I'm glad to have found the online bubble. :)
Such a great post G-Money. The bubble in the online community is so full of love and support. It is incredible, and has made my life a better place.
The loneliness that we all face is a real thing, and it is scary. Thank God we are able to connect with so many folks online like this.