I am not sure of the exact day in September, 1950 when I was diagnosed as a type 1 diabetic in Olympia, Washington. I do remember sitting on my Mother's lap and hearing the diagnosis. The doctor told my Mom that I would have to go to the BIG hospital building up on the hill. The next day must have been Saturday, because I remember going out to the car and it was drizzly rain, but my Dad came around to my side of the car with a baloon on a string for me and I got in the car. From the beginning, my folks Loved me without reservation or "poor kathy's". For this I am very greatful.

Stuff was never a problem for my parents; essentials were met; especially Love. We were never without food, clothing, the house we lived in and when necessary a move so that I could walk to school (and Mom could also if there was an emergency). The moves were with great joy and anticipation. To this day, the place my husband and I live in is just a place to sleep, visit, share meals together, have friends and family stay, and share with those who happen to need an ear to hear, word to be spoken, or a bite to eat.

February 13, 2008, we celebrated our 43rd Anniversary of Marriage. Since October, 2007 my husband has been retired and is now available to share his time with myself and our five-year-old grandson after his morning kindergarden. We are active members in our fellowship of Christians at our local Assembly and around the area on a daily basis. We have birthed two children after a miscarriage 4 years after our marriage. Our daughter was born in 1970 through natural birthing and I was told I should have no more children - I was 25-years-old at the time. Since I just couldn't decide to have the tubiligation, Eight years later, sitting on the opposite side of the desk from the same OBGYN doctor he said, "You are 35-years-old. You have had diabetes 30 years. We can terminate this pregnancy." I responded with "No, we've waited a long time for this baby to come". God's plans are always the best, no matter what. Nine months later our son was born, healthy and well by cecerean section with my Endocrinologist standing in the open doorway of the surgical delivery room "just because".

Our daughter has been blessed with two boys 10-years-old and 5-years-old. On January 24, 2008, our son and his wife gave birth to our first granddaughter:). All of our children and their children are healthy and doing well in their physical, mental, and spiritual development as examples of God's grace in our lives.

First Corinthians 10:13 became real to me June 23, 1965 when God did what He said He would do. Since then the craving (as in sweetaholic) for sweets has not been a part of my life. The last 2 visits to my Dr. (Sept. 2007 Jan. 2008) my Dr. has repeated what He told me in May 2007 "Kathy, if I didn't know you, I would think there is nothing wrong with you. All your blood work (Cholestorol, Pressure, Liver, Kidneys, Heart, etc) are perfect." My yearly eye exam always brings the same astonished comments from the Dr. "There is nothing wrong with your eyes.... How long have you had diabetes?" When I reply 50+ (58 years this year:) they almost seem disappointed. My dentist says that my teeth are in good shape for ANYONE, especially a diabetic ("how do you do it?" he asks and I tell him that in October 1975 sugar went out of my life and only regular/nonsugared food is eaten and preferred by me.

By January 1980 approximately 10,950 insulin injections had entered my body. From January 1980 until Lantus came on the market in July of 200__ another approximate 7,365 insulin injections. Since i began taking Lantus at night and Novolog at meal times (making 4 injections a day) my legs and stomach still remain to be functioning sites of injections since that first shot in 1950.

If The LORD Jesus had not come to my rescue in 1975, I most likely would have been dead long ago because the desire for sugared goodies was so very strong in my life and I was unable to stop on my own. I Corinthians 10:13; take a look and see for your self that the LORD is good.