The Importance of Friends... and Diabetes

Throughout my life, I have gone to many, many schools (seven to be exact) and am used to moving around! But through my experience, have met many life-long friends who I can always count on. I know, it sounds like a cliché, but having diabetes has really contributed to helping me determine who were true friends, and who was not.

For example, being the diabetic I am, when I was younger I always needed to have assistance, or at least know that I had someone that I would be able to count on to be there for me. Two particular friends that come to mind that I could always count on are Kaitlyn and Paris! (aka Mama Mullen and Wise Wong!)

Let's start with Kaitlyn. One time in our friendship that comes to mind is from eighth grade. It was the day before winter break and we were at our school's rally (we were in it for debate!). I started to feel low, but my test kit was all the way in the classroom upstairs (where no teachers were), and being the person I am, decided to ignore my feelings. But as the rally went on, I began to feel worse... and worse. Kaitlyn noticed and told me that I needed to go check my blood sugar!

I told her that it wasn't a big deal, and that we were about to go up, that we couldn't waste any more time! But Kaitlyn (being the selfless person she is), took me to my teacher, got her keys, and went up to the classroom with me. My blood sugar ended up being in to forties! If it wasn't for Kaitlyn, I might have fainted, or worse. That is just one of many experiences that Kaitlyn has been through with me, and part of the reason why I know I can always and will always count on her!

Now, Paris. While I met Paris the same year as Kaitlyn and the three of us were all very close, my relationship with Paris has always been a bit different. Paris is your go to "motherly" friend who constantly looks out for you! She always had my back and always made sure I tested my blood sugar, was responsible with my diabetes, and was taken care of.

For example, in the sixth grade, my class went on a field trip to Sly Park for a week. It was my first time being away from home and sleeping somewhere without my parents. Although my dad was there with me in the day, Paris still made sure everything was good with my diabetes and me, before checking up on herself. For instance, when we went on hikes, ate breakfast, lunch, or dinner, or even when we were just playing cards.

While I am fortunate to have so many great, charismatic, and dependable friends in my life, Kaitlyn and Paris have always been two of my best friends, not only for their personality and the fun we have together -- but the fact that I can and will always be able to count on them to keep me safe.