[lemonadelife_blog]

Whenever I meet someone with diabetes, I have this instant connection with them, almost as if I have known them my whole life. Perhaps it is because diabetes transcends to so many different facets of our lives that even when everything is completely different, we still have a commonality that is intensely shared.

It is always a joy to have the opportunity to spend time with other people with diabetes in real life. I feel almost silly saying that because even people whom I have never met before can feel just as close as someone I have grown up with. But there really is no replacement for spending quality time, sharing stories and conversing in real-time, and hearing the laughter and exclamations that come from connecting with someone who knows exactly what you mean.

Another blogger friend of mine, Cara, is a Broadway afficiando and makes a pilgrimage once a year to the City That Never Sleeps to take in a few shows. This has become an annual excuse for me to throw a big party for everyone in town. With so many of my favorite people getting together, it’s almost like a family reunion (only without the annoying Food Police!).

This year, my party plans were mangled when the original venue shut down just a week before our meet-up. I quickly recovered with Le Pain Quotidien, which turned out to not be much of an improvement on our traditional “restaurant dining” experiences but it was more affordable than many options and allowed for a large party without forcing us into a “party” meal plan. Whatever works, right?

We had a large turnout! In addition to myself and Cara, we were joined by Scott, Gina, Tina, Stacey, Karen, Lee Ann, Arielle and Mara and a handful of type 3s (who are always welcome!). Of course, there were a some who were missed, but we enjoyed good food and great weather. After lunch, some of us took a stroll through Central Park and had an in depth conversation about the Ping and Minimed pumps. As Cara pointed out, if only we could somehow morph the two into one Super Pump!

All too soon it was over, and everyone scurried off to their afternoon appointments. It is always such a treat to get everyone together and I promise I will try (emphasis on try!) to host more diabetes meet-ups in the future. I hear someone (read: me) has a birthday (the big 2-5!) coming up this summer, so perhaps you’ll see another invitation circulating the Interwebs.

Until next time….





Filed under: Diabetes, Events, Favorite Things, NYC, Photos, The O.C.

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