Diabetes,

We've been in a 23-year-long relationship. We've had our ups and our downs, our fights and our arguments. We have been through so much together.

We saw the insulin pump be born. We saw CGMs come to life and helped make them happen.

Twenty-three years ago, my life changed. Because of you, I learned I had to put myself first, above anything else. I learned that I am strong. I am brave. I am a warrior.

To think I went from being a 12-year-old who was so terrified of needles that it took seven men to hold me down, to going for a glucose test calmly, knowing I had diabetes. To no longer being afraid of a needle.

All because of you, I became stronger.

Because of you, I have a healthy boy. Oddly enough, because of you, I didn't fear an epidural needle or any blood test thrown my way. Because of you, I even learned that I love vegetables—especially sweet potatoes.

Because of you, I learned responsibility at a young age. Because of you, I may have learned the hard way who was a friend and who was a foe. But in doing so, my life is so much better.

What I want to say to you isn't just a simple thank you.

It's thank you for showing me who I can be.

Because of you, I found a community. I learned to advocate for myself. I learned to live freely and live for myself.

You changed my life 23 years ago.

And somehow, through all the fights, all the needles, all the fear, and all the lessons...

I became someone I am proud to be.

Your life long partner,

Maltisha