Happy (belated) D-day
I’m sorry. I’m a really bad diabetic. I should be punished. I forgot my own diabetes anniversary. I know, I can’t believe it either. Surely this would be the first thing I think about every morning 
I don’t feel I should miss out on a celebration due to a little amnesia (possible complication? Must google that) so I can officially announce that today is D-day. I have had diabetes for 26 years and 3 weeks today.
To be honest this isn’t something I normally pay much attention to. I certainly don’t have a party every year with presents, low carb food and a healthy game of tennis afterwards to ward off those post meal highs.
However, last year was my silver diabetes anniversary – 25 years – so I felt it deserved a bit of a celebration. I worked quite hard on the husband and the parents to convince them that 25 years of diabetes deserves a diamond, or a nice holiday, but I had my expectations lowered to a nice meal instead.
The strangest thing was watching my parents. Firstly them coming to terms with their daughter wanting to celebrate the anniversary of her nearly dying and being diagnosed with a potentially life-shortening chronic condition. And secondly trying to think of something to buy me to mark the occasion (somehow they didn’t think diamonds or holidays quite fit the bill). So my mum went for a helium balloon (I’ve loved these since I was a kid). Inexplicably the chronic disease section of the balloon shop was pretty bare. No “Congratulations you still have all your limbs” or “25 years and not blind yet” balloons to be seen. (Tim – please note this down as a new business opportunity).
For my very special 26 year and 3 week anniversary I think I’ll settle for a nice steady day with no hypos. And perhaps I should start planning now for my 30th anniversary to ensure suitable merchandise is available.
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Thinking of your balloons, I can see opportunities for a whole range of greetings cards targeted at the diabetic – “Congratulations on your low A1C result”; “Sorry to hear about your retinal neuropathology issues”; “Happy Hypo-less Hanukkah”. The possibilities are limitless…
Oh yeah, happy diabetes anniversary!
@Tim Just beautiful! How about, “Sugar or Splenda”? Happy d-anniversary, Alison!!
Some more for the list. I think we’ve spotted a real gap in the market here!
“Fingers crossed for a good A1c result”
“Diabetes is for life, not just for Christmas”
For the newly diagnosed “Congratulations on your diabetes, welcome to the club”
More greeting cards:
“Fingers crossed you keep your toes”
“On your pancreas’ retirement – we’ll miss you”
“Hope this card injects happiness into your day”
Congrats Alison!!
I am with you, diamonds. I love it. My silver is next year. I will start planning now.
Great greeting card ideas!
Maybe there should be a diabetic anniversary list, much like the wedding version, something like:
1st wedding anniversary = paper
1st diabetic anniversary = lucozade
10th wedding anniversary = tin
10th diabetic anniversary = glucose meter
25th wedding anniversary = silver
25th diabetic anniversary = glucogen injection
It might just work!
@Tim You think 25 years deserves a measly glucagon injection? You’re aiming far too low. And I’d be amazed if you could get to your 10th anniversary without a glucose meter! You need to be thinking more along the lines of precious gems and exotic holidays.
@Alison I was being practical!
this just made me laugh out loud!! My vote is for retirment parties for pancreases
@Tim I’m thinking the following: 52″ LCD television for the 1st. Bahamas for the 10th and Hawaii for the 25th. Is that asking too much?
@Mark I like your thinking. I can only dream about what delights are in store for my 30th based on your list!
@Alison For your 30th and every 5th year going forward, I believe your husband should take you on a cruise anywhere you want to go. We are saving for either a Mediterranean trip or to Alaska!
Hey guys, stop giving Alison so many ideas. Anyway I know she’d hate a cruise and a 52″ LCD TV is not up for discussion either – I’m struggling to convince her we need a 37″ TV!
@My husband stop making excuses, a diamond or a nice holiday would always be welcome!
@Alison’s Husband Anything over 32″ is a little chavy in my view
@Alison’s Husband I’m thinkin’ you should get your TV while she gets her holiday. A win-win situation. Fair?
@Mark have you thought about a career in marriage guidance
Happy 26th…I’m just a couple months ahead of you. Liking the diamond idea
What’ll it be for 50?!?
what about long suffering partners? Don’t we get presents too?
I can’t really see Tim with a diamond so I would be honoured to accept it on his behalf!
Oh and Happy 26 yr and 3 wk anniversary Alison!
@Katie
I think the scheme should be that in partnerships involving a person with diabetes, the lady should get a diamond/holiday in recognition of her either having diabetes, or putting up with someone with diabetes. Sorry chaps!
What rot!! I want a diamond – for my tooth!
That’s just weird they look far nicer on my finger!
@Tim Try toothpaste, it’s cheaper
But how will I maintain my “gangsta” image without a diamond-encrusted tooth?