When Ethan was diagnosed with T1, I imagined jumping in to one of our local JDRF support groups. The reality, though, was that those early weeks with T1 are HARD. And I had 2 children and a then-14-month-old. When I found out that our local support group met on a weekday morning, I realized that would not work for our family right now because I homeschool our kids. I do have one adult friend with T1 here in town and at the time of diagnosis, I had two other friends out of state who each had a child with T1. There was no local connection for us, though, and to this day Ethan still has not met another child with diabetes.
I was already on Twitter and kept seeing references to DSMA from Kerri’s Twitter feed but I had no idea what it really was. I just assumed it was for other high-profile bloggers and writers. But not too long ago I started to realize how much I needed to connect with other people living this weird diabetes life, so I decided to check the Wednesday night DSMA chat out.
Holy smokes.
I was not prepared for how quickly those Tweets came rolling in! Even though I was only a lurker in that first chat, I was not prepared for how many D-folks were going to start following me on Twitter. I was not prepared for the complete acceptance in the DOC (Diabetes Online Community). Parent, PWD, CWD – all are equal there. And I was certainly not prepared for the friendships that have developed through my computer screen.
Any time we put ourselves “out there,” we take a risk. I didn’t know if I would be accepted. I didn’t know if there was a clear dividing line between PWD and parents of CWD. I didn’t know if some of the more recognizable names in the diabetes world would be friendly and accessible. I didn’t know if I could just jump in.
But I took the risk.
And do you know what? I was not just accepted – I was welcomed with open arms. There is no dividing line in the DOC between PWD and parents of CWD. And those more recognizable names in the diabetes world? Yep. Totally friendly and accessible.
Even though I have been involved in the DOC for only a short time, I can say without a doubt that I have friends there. Kate, Bea, Marie, Simon, Jeff, Bob and so many others who I am still getting to know…thank you for making me feel so very much at home. At the risk of being sappy, I want to share a quote. Every time I think of the DOC, this passage is what immediately comes to mind:
“Luna had decorated her bedroom ceiling with five beautifully painted faces: Harry, Ron, Hermione, Ginny, and Neville. They were not moving as the portraits at Hogwarts moved, but there was a certain magic about them all the same; Harry thought they breathed. What appeared to be fine golden chains wove around the pictures, linking them together, but after examining them for a minute or so, Harry realized that the chains were actually one word, repeated a thousand times in golden ink: friends…friends…friends…friends…”
― J.K. Rowling, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows
Oh, Julie. You made me cry. I am honored to be counted among your friends.
I didn’t mean to make you cry, Marie.
IDK when I’ve seen more abbreviations in so small a space! LOL! I mean, WTF? But the one I can’t figure out, and I don’t believe you explained — what does DSMA stand for?
Sorry Jim – I feel silly explaining the acronyms in each post. My apologies! DSMA stands for Diabetes Social Media (found at http://www.diabetessocmed.com). There is a DSMA Twitter chat every Wednesday night from 8-9PM CST. It is open to any and all people with diabetes (PWD), parents of CWD (children with diabetes) and friends/family of said diabetes folks, and there is a set topic (with 5-6 questions) each week. Perhaps you and Karen might think about joining in sometime?
Next time we’ll make you a key lime pie.
I’d love that!!
I know EXACTLY how you feel! I blog too a wrote a very similar post a few weeks ago! I hav been overwhelmed (in a good way!) with how the DOC has so quickly accepted me! I don’t know where you live but if it’s anywhere near Kansas City your son can meet my son so he’ll know another D-kid!
I wish we lived nearer to KC, but we’re in Nashville! We have family in MO though (Jefferson City and Branson)…so maybe one day!
This is what I love about the DOC. It doesn’t matter what type of diabetes we have, we understand each other, we make friends, we share, we learn from each other. I consider myself very lucky for having met you, Julie. You’re a caring, smart, sweet woman and I’m glad Ethan has you as a mother to help him walk the road. Much love and thank you!
Thank you Bea! I was genuinely surprised that there are no dividing lines in the DOC – and very thankful. I’m so glad to know you!
I’m glad you jumped in! DSMA is a fast-paced, but fun time.
(And if you need some pointers on making sense of the stream, this might help a little … or at least I hope it does: http://sixuntilme.com/blog2/2011/07/finding_diabetes_on_twitter.html)
And I love that HP quote. Love, love, love.
Thanks for the link, Kerri! That HP quote gives me goosebumps every time I read it.
I find, more and more, that the things that seem most risky at first end up likely to be the most rewarding, once I’ve jumped that hurdle of discomfort. It’s a risk I’m very glad you took!
This is beautiful & completely what the D-OC is about.
Beautiful & spot on! Diabetes is hard to navigate, to say the least! Having friends to help you find your way makes all the difference.
Thanks so much for jumping in with both feet!!
HUGS