My dearest Diabetes,

On this Valentine’s Day, I’d like to take a moment and express my true and honest feelings towards you. After all, as the men I have dated have come in and out of my life, you have stuck to, er I mean by, my side. You have been with me through the highs and the lows, never mind that you caused many of them. But you’ve never abandoned me, you’re always here, even despite my best effort to get rid of you. I have to admire that kind of persistence.

Our relationship is unconventional. You were an unwelcomed force in my life, bringing with you many changes, disruptions, and emotions. Dare I say, I hated you when we first met. But you made it clear that you weren’t going anywhere so I learned to make the best of our relationship. I want you to know that you can be a real pain. Sometimes I wonder why you’re such a prick. But other times you can be so sweet, so it’s hard to stay mad at you for long.

You’re needy, demanding, and all consuming. I think about you all day, every day. Sometimes you’re even in my dreams. It’s hard to remember my life before you, and to think of it without you, should that day ever come. I complain about you all the time. To my friends, family, strangers. Some understand completely, others try to, and some will never know what it’s like to have you in their life. You bleed me dry.

But you’ve changed me. I would not be who I am today, where I am today, without you. While you’ve taken so much from me, my time, my energy, my fears, my health, you’ve also given me so much in return. You’ve given me determination, a strong sense of responsibility, strength, a community, and purpose. I hate you, I wish you never found me, but I cannot deny that deep down, you’ve made me a better person.

Happy Valentine’s Day, Diabetes. I hope it is a sweet one.

Love,
Me