The Ordinaries

I’m writing this while sitting in the Orlando Airport.  Our bags are packed, and we’re ready to head home. Home to where reality awaits...laundry, grocery lists, jobs, familiar routines. I can’t help but to feel that I’m returning home a different person. The past two weeks have been a flurry of emotion. Every day seemed to highlight something I didn’t know existed inside my heart. I’ve realized the strength of empowerment and the bruises of heartbreak on the same day – within the same hour – consecutive moments, in fact.

I’d like to say that I could sit down here and pound out a simple recap, but I can’t. I’m still weeding through the intertwined memories in my mind; trying to decide which moments to share, which to hold close, and if such a thing as “in between” actually exists.

Nothing is sacred...yet everything is sacred.

I suppose that, if there is one place to start, it would be here: I am just an ordinary mom.

It’s really important that you understand this truth when you’re visiting me here. Whether perusing old posts or reading new ones, I want you to know that I’m a flawed person who is trying to do the best she can. There is nothing special about our family. We face the same frustrations and challenges as anyone else. I can’t offer you an impressive resume or a fancy book deal to prove to you why reading this blog is worth a shred of your time or hard earned money.  We’re just ordinary, and that has to be “good enough”.

I mention this because I’ll be posting about our experiences at JDRF Children’s Congress 2013 in Washington DC, and the CWD Friends for Life Conference in Orlando. There are pictures with celebrities, “AHA Moments”, and brutal truths to be had. I’m going to ask you to step out of your comfort zone to do something that you may never have thought you were capable of. I’m going to open my vulnerable heart, and tell you about my fears.

When you see those snazzy pictures, and hear about our snazzy experiences, the last thing I want you to think is “Not me.”

YES YOU.

Remember, I’m ordinary. Just like you. Your child CAN apply to attend Children’s Congress just like we did (FOUR times, by the way). You CAN make the FFL conference a personal goal.

But more than that: you CAN make a difference right where you are. You CAN bloom where you’re planted. YOU CAN CHANGE YOUR WORLD by simply sharing your story, and just being YOU. Step out of that corner, my friend. Come on out of your shell. Jump in feet first, throw your heart into it, and shine on!!!

{Cue applause, standing ovation, and climatic music.}

Let’s hear it for The Ordinaries!!! The run-of-the-mill Plain Janes and Average Joes. The ones who keep things in balance for our families. The ones who make managing our children's diabetes look easy, while counting carbs in a complicated meal that we poured our heart into preparing. The ones who know who needs to be where when at what time while keeping a running tally in our mind about everyone else. 

Stand up and be proud, my ordinary peeps, because we're a force to be reckoned with!