Hello, my name is Linda Beall and I am writing to Ladies Home Journal to let you know that I have been a diabetic for twenty-five years this past month. I am became a children’s author in 2010 after I self-published my first book titled, “Four PAWS and One Old Cat, Different and the Same.” This children’s book has been a real opener for me.
I have been a type I diabetic for twenty-five years. I was diagnosed when I turned thirty-three. Simple I got sick drinking chocolate milk. At this point in my life, I do not have any major complications. I thank God for this.
I can talk about being a diabetic today but a few years ago I could not. To me being a diabetic was being different from a person who is not. I did not like being different. I could not eat or drink like a normal person. Worst of all, I could no longer drink chocolate milk, and that was the only way I drink milk at all.
Twenty-five years is a long time for a person with diabetes and no major complications. I attributed this to never missing an insulin shot, following doctor’s orders and most importantly, God’s plan for me.
I realize when I moved to St. Augustine, Florida five years ago, things had to change. I want to live to see my future grandchildren and be part of their lives. To do so, I first had to admit to myself that it was okay to be a diabetic and strive to eat healthy and exercise wisely. I do not drink chocolate milk anymore.
When I wrote my book, “Four PAWS and One Old Cat, Different and the Same,” a dear friend asked me, why the title. I immediately responded by stating, “Four PAWS and One Old Cat.” is about four little dogs who are different and the same. I wrote this children’s book using my dogs as my voice and told my readers repeatedly that it is okay to be different and yet the same. We all want the same things in our lives, such as a good life. My dear friend kept questioning me as to why my message was “different and the same” and digging deeper into my inner being, I remember in my childhood what it was like to be bullied, being alone on the playground and in the lunchroom. When I was in the third grade I moved to a small town and new school. New friendships and relationships were very difficult for me. I just did not fit in. And now I have come out of the closet by admitting I am a diabetic. This is about as personal as it gets. I do not drink chocolate milk now but my life is even better. I self-published my first book and my second book is being review by several publishers. I have a passion for writing and never want to give it up. In the future I want to be able to say I have live with diabetes for fifty years and still going strong. I am proud to say I have lived with diabetes for twenty-five years and still going strong.
