Thought Provoking Thursday: Age

I decided to start a new feature here on the blog. With all the fad features going around I wanted something that would cause my readers to think a little bit. 

Here's my equation: Health + Experience - Joy = Second Age

Consider this; I am 36 and out of shape (like so many), have had depression, cancer, a heart implant and blood transfusions. That's a lot. So when I contemplate my physical age, I might say my body has endured strain beyond my 36 years. 

Flip the coin and I'll tell you about my mental age. I have had many difficulties in my life starting at a young age, though through it all I've always prided myself in keeping my spirits up, laughing and learning through it all. Speaking of laughing, did I mention I have been a mother for over 16 years which, lets face it, ages me drastically. My life experiences are much like my health experiences, well beyond my years. 

Those two things should have me at an age so much older that I could comfortably hang out with my Grandma and her friends and no one would suspect otherwise. "Hey pretty lady", the seniors would say, "how do you stay so young looking?" Ok, perhaps they'd know but I could still fit in.

I have a 5 year old and I never knew that would keep me young! I go to the park with her and yes, I do go down the slide and swing on the swing from time to time. We have mommy daughter date nights. We work together in the kitchen creating delicious goodies all while giggling! I look forward to her Kindergarten antics more than almost anything in life. My husband and son love outings so we find ourselves at rock concerts, or amusement parks. We have family game nights, movie nights, sports nights etc. These things keep me more active and full of joy. Therefore taking away from some of the things that age me.

So what do I figure my age would be?
36
I know, I know, that's my TRUE age.

I'm just as surprised as you, but it's where I am physically. When all the writing is on the wall, truth be told, for the first time in my life I am comfortable with myself and I am happy where I am.

How about you? Ignore all the birthdays and tell me, what age do you FEEL?
Feel free to share my picture and get others talking about their age!

Type 2 Diabetes complications

I don't often write about my extended family on my blog out of respect for them and the fact they they have not chosen to be as public as I am. Normally I don't but I have to admit I'm scared and it warrants being written about. I hate it but it's our reality. Our, being myself, my sister and my mom. My Dad has been sick. He's a type 2 diabetic and if I am being honest he doesn't manage his illness properly. He has all these ideas of how he thinks he should do things because "he knows". He's been sick with stomach bug type symptoms but I am not convinced. I won't go into the details but I will say that these issues lead my sister and I to go check up on him as I do very often using the excuse that I had to bring him the Valentine's Day card Miss Roo made for him. When we arrived he was clearly much worse and I was convinced likely headed toward diabetic coma. Diabetic ketoacidosis it's a very serious, life threatening complication of diabetes. The symptoms are scary on their own but my dad showed signs of ALL symptoms which is horrifying to loved ones. My Dad refused to go to the hospital at first but eventually he agreed. He was nearly non-verbal, presenting like someone who was heavily intoxicated. He refused an ambulance, but I called them anyway knowing that with the snowy, icy conditions we couldn't get him to the car safely.

The ambulance came and the paramedics began to care for him while asking me for details. I have been here with my Dad before so I was well aware of the info they needed. The paramedics told me he was in very bad shape and they couldn't even drive until they stabilized him.

Once stabilized they transported him to our local hospital. I stayed with him all night until someone else had come to be with him in my place. I am worried. I know we need to have a discussion about what to do once he is home. None of us can keep doing this. I am headed back to the hospital shortly and am praying things are getting better.

While most people can live a long, normal life after being diagnosed with Diabetes, it is still a very serious issue if left untreated or if not treated properly.

If you have a loved one with diabetes talk to them about there disease management and understand the warning signs before encountering an emergency situation.