Spousal Support
Wednesday, January 6, 2010 at 8:23AM My wife and I have been married for over 13 years. I have had diabetes for over 19 years. So diabetes has been apart of our marriage since the beginning. In fact, my wife went to high school with me and remembers when I was diagnosed.
Through those years of marriage the focus on my diabetes changed a lot. That was all my doing. During my 20's I did not pay attention to my diabetes. I went to the doctor probably once a year to update my perscriptions, took whatever amount of insulin he told me to take, and kept on trucking until the following year.
No eye exams. No A1C tests. None of that. In fact, I went months without ever checking my blood. I am sure I spent years over 200 the entire time.
After finding the Diabetes Community Online I changed my ways. Diabetes became more of a focus as did my overall health.
The one constant through it all was my wife and her support.
She would nudge me to go to the doctor and to quit smoking but never nagged or pushed me in any direction. She knew the first step had to be mine and then she would be there to support me along the way.
The path to get a pump, quit smoking, use a CGMS, and even start this site was not journeyed alone. My wife was there through it all and had supported me both emotionally and sometimes physically.
I cannot count the number of times she has woken me up from a low and brought me my machine or glucose or whatever I needed. Never once being angry at me or resenting me for a disease I didn't ask for or choose.
Hate Diabetes. Love the Diabetic! (that should be a magnet)
For better or worse. That is what we both agreed on. That is what we all agree to when we get married. I am thankful that my wife loves me no matter what happens. And I am thankful too that I get to return that favor.
Reader Comments (11)
Beautiful! I want one of those magnets!!!!!!!!!!!! Make it a t-shirt in the store????
And that is a beautiful photo of you and your wife! Lovely couple :)
Hi! I'm new to posting on your blog, but I could have writtent his post myself. I was diagnosed at 27 years old and spent the following 4-5 years in and out of diabetes control. Some months I cared, some notsomuch.
My husband has always known me as a diabetic and he helps whenever he can, but he knew the first steps to REALLY taking control were mine and mine alone. The DOC is what set me straight. Wow, how powerful is THAT????
Your wife is a special person. I'm looking for someone that understanding and special to marry. I'm glad you've had the support. Cause you've been support for those of us here in the OC too!
George, very well said. Our spouses are so incredibly deserving and don't ever get enough credit. We couldn't do it without them. Thanks for giving yours even a little snapshot of the credit she deserves. I say the same of mine. Best to you both (& family) in the continuing D-Journey!
Your post is beautiful, SuperG. So is your wife. I'm glad she's the rock you need when things get rough, and I bet she hugs you when you need it most, too. Our significant others are the best parts of our diabetes management plans, for sure.
I can't wait for the four of us (or seven, if you bring your two kids and I bring my ... one? OMG) to have dinner together sometime. Soon. :)
Well written. My husband helps so much. He makes it hurt less.
And I want a magnet. Just sayin. ;P
aww! I love the Pic of you and Jazz! She is an awesome woman. I am glad she supports you and diabetes. You all are a powerhouse couple! Woot
George - I became the wife of a T1 diabetic in 1998. I became a T1 diabetic in 2001. Both sides of the coin are extremely difficult. Thank God for the people who love us no matter what.
It has been the experiences not only with diabetes but throughout our married life that have brought us closer. But we wouldn't have had to face a lot of the things we have in our life without his diabetes. But through it all, we've drawn closer and faced and been forced to talk about and go through many things of our friends couldn't even dream of! And it's only made us stronger. Thanks for both of your examples.
You are a very lucky man, my friend.
I'm in for a magnet...
Jazz is the best. I am so thankful that she is there for you. What makes it even better is that you don't ever take it for granted. You know you are lucky to have her, and you show it. :-)