Tuesday, July 16, 2013

CWD Friends for Life Conference

                I still feel like my head is still spinning for my whirl wind trip to Children with diabetes Friends for Life Conference in Orlando Florida. I so loved meeting so many of the bloggers that I have been following for several years and others that I meet there. I know it was so incredible to meet the bloggers because of the fact that I felt in some ways like I know them to an extent. Friends for life was a real test for me in many ways. I know some of the people who meet me I am sure would be surprised to hear me say that I actually can be very shy and I am always working on getting myself to be more out going if possible. I know this really pushes me beyond my comfort zone which I need to do. I know I approached several bloggers I know from following them and I am sure they probably had no idea how shy I can be at times from our interactions. I actually think that my blogging activities have really helped me to be more outgoing when I need to be because I feel like I am putting things out there for all to see so I gain more confidence in general.
           


                  I know the conference is so large it can make a first timers head spin from trying to find the right rooms and keep track of the conference schedule of classes. I know I loved the iPhone app they had which allowed for me not to carry more stuff around which I am thankful for. I tend to carry enough stuff for me and Duchess most of the time without adding more. I still can't say enough about the time I spent getting to meet all the wonderful families and all the funny things that happened. I know I spent some long nights hanging out with quite few of the sweetest people who I have been following for years now and I can't say enough about how much I loved meeting them all in person. I also meet some really incredible people who support all the type 1 diabetics at the conference as well. I know the days were so jam packed with activities it can be all so much to take in. I am sure I will be writing more blogs this week about some things in particular about my trip to CWD FFL as a first timer. I know it was incredible seeing all the green bands on the wrists, pumps, cgms and meters every where. I know most of the time I don't feel alone with being involved with the DOC community but this week I know I have never felt so not alone. It was wonderful to be able to share things in person because I think you get to know the people even better than on twitter or through blogs. I know that the conference even affected Duchess in many ways as well.
      

                    Duchess loved some well know bloggers and loved alerting to them as well. She was on top of not only my blood sugars but also theirs as well. I know they really appreciated her alerts because she was alerting some times up to several hours before which is wonderful and quite helpful. I know Duchess made quite the impression and many of the families we meet. I know I did have moments that I was surrounded by families and who all had questions about Duchess which did feel a little over whelming for me. I love meeting people but I was not expecting that much attention from so many people. I know it was all so much to take in for both of us. I knew going in that Duchess could handle such a crazy task of alerting to me when there was so many smells of all the diabetics in the room. I know from previous conferences she did really well but I know this one really make me so proud of her because she handled so much and made it look easy. Duchess did not miss one alert through the whole conference. I know people commented they could see her concern she had when she alerted that there blood sugars were off. I know she cares a great deal about me and my new friends. I am incredibly blessed to have her beyond what I can even express.
       


                    I have to say I have never been more proud to wear a green bracelet. Thank you to all the people who have inspired me and taught me a great deal. To the people I was able to hang out and get to know I absolutely loved getting to know you all. I so blessed to be at the conference and I plan on coming back next year. To people who have not attended before I recommend you attending it will change your life. I know it did for me. I will see you all next year.

                               


              

8 comments:

  1. It was so nice meeting you and Duchess. You two are so blessed to have each other. I hope everyone that wants a DAD can get one as wonderful as Duchess. Thanks for helping spread the word about DAD organizations that aren't always on the Up and Up.

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  2. Christina it was great meeting you too. I know I feel blessed each and everyday that I have Duchess. Hoping that others will spread the word as well. I hate scams organizations.

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  3. Was so great meeting you both! And I have to admit, it took a lot to not hug Duchess - of course, I'm sure she sensed some of my Lows while there. Thanks for chatting and hanging out some, and will look forward to keeping up online!

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  4. I know it was great to finally meet you too. I know I think several people almost hugged her. I don't blame you for wanting too either I know Duchess does not make it easy either. It was great chatting and hanging out and will defiantly keep up online and through twitter.

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  5. Tarra! It was wonderful to finally meet you in person! I really enjoyed that. I echo Mike's thoughts about it being SO hard to leave that beautiful dog of yours alone. :-)

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  6. Scott I know I so glad to meet you as well. I know it is not easy not to pet her. She has this personality that draws people to her.

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  7. Okay, want to know a secret? I'm really shy too. But somehow being with the DOC makes me less shy. :) Duchess really was a rockstar at FFL!

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  8. I would of never of know Karen. I am realizing that because most of the people in the doc understand it makes us more comfortable most likely. I was very proud of her because I know some parts are not easy for her.

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