A Well-Traveled Park

I may have used this picture in an earlier blog story, and am now repeating it here.  Oh, well. That kind of repetition is a hallmark of aging.

I went to the doctor for a checkup.  At 70, that's always a scary adventure. Especially when reviewing blood work from the previous week.

It was a mixed bag.  Most of the results were good.  There were a few things I need to be careful with and follow up on.  

I've fought some things for a few years now, things that were marginal and felt that I could control myself.

Finally, my age gave me a new perspective, and I realized I had to accept who I am and that I may need some help in combating health issues.  The biggest one was admitting something that is hard for me, because I, for better or worse, view it as a personal failure.

I am a diabetic.

My numbers are not that bad, just over the line, but I have pretended for too long.  I must admit that I have it, and I cannot delay any longer.  So, I'm going on medication to control and reverse it.

I know that a balanced diet and regular exercise, along with weight loss, can help with this.  And, with Alison's help, I think I can get better.  

Whether I'm on medication for a few months or a lifetime, it is now something I'll always have to think about, monitor, and consider.

I realize I'm not alone in this.  Many go through this, including a lot of my friends and family. I know that's partly cultural, a result of our lifestyle and the prevalence of processed foods. And I've seen the results when diabetes is ignored or handled poorly.  That is not a path I wish to travel.

I prefer to do those things I need to do to minimize the harm this disease causes, so that I can keep traveling in my well-worn park, and continue to enjoy life - time with Alison and my children and grandchild, reading, writing, performing, attending church, loving pets, binging scripted shows, supporting public libraries, fighting the Trumpocalypse.

Here's to many more adventures - just with a little less sugar!