New Year’s Eve is a strange day – I guess it takes on however much meaning each individual chooses to give it. This week, I have felt it’s weight more than usual; the imminent turning of the year seems more significant than it has done before. Much will change for our family and there is certainly a feeling of freshness on the breeze. Among other changes, we have a new home to renovate, my job contract will come to an end and we will start looking at secondary schools for Small, which I can’t quite believe!
But in looking forward, it always pays to cast a backward glance and recognise the significance of the year’s experiences. So here are just a few of the things I am thankful for from 2022:
- My health has been at its best for many years. One reason for this was adopting new diabetes technology; after years of procrastination, I finally took the plunge and decided to build an artificial pancreas. Using open source technology developed by a group of clever and very committed people, my insulin pump is now linked to my continuous glucose monitor via a smartphone app, meaning it self-corrects to keep my blood sugars more stable. It’s not perfect, but it has been life-changing, making my levels much more predictable, particularly overnight. This November marked 20 years since I was first diagnosed with Type 1, so adopting the system was a great way to mark the anniversary. I’m very grateful to the developers, who have given their brainchild freely to the world and continue to develop new features and improvements, as well as offering ongoing support via social media. This article gives a bit more info about the #WeAreNotWaiting movement.
- We have a new home, awaiting lots of loving renovation! It’s very special, as the house is the one that my grandfather and great aunt and uncle grew up in as children. It was a stressful and longwinded process to buy the property, but we made it over the finish line just before Christmas. We are so excited to make this beautiful old building into a family home again, and are ready to fill it with joy and love.
- Last but by no means least, I am so very thankful our lovely friends and family. I am grateful for the love, support and challenge they have brought us this year. I recognise how privileged we are to have so many wonderful people in our lives and have developed a new appreciation for the many different ways in which they show care. I include Tiny and Small in this – in the last few weeks, they have made me proud in many ways and I am grateful to be their mum.
2022 has not been the easiest year for our family, but in the challenges, there have been opportunities to learn, to lean on friends and to discover new depths to the faith in God that forms the cornerstone of our life.
Here’s to 2023 – may it be full of joy, love and new adventures for each one of you. Hopefully this year I’ll be a bit better at remembering to write down the blogs that swirl around my head and so often get forgotten… will have to wait and see on that one!
Lotty
The Chronic Parent 