November isn’t just Diabetes Awareness Month—it’s also a time to reflect on everything we’re thankful for. In our little family here in Las Vegas, it’s just Kay, my parents, and me. This year, we’ve decided to skip the traditional Thanksgiving feast and opt for something smaller, something that feels right for us.
This year has been full of challenges, but it’s also brought some incredible moments of growth and joy. The biggest curveball we’ve faced is Kay’s Type 1 Diabetes diagnosis. It’s a life-changing adjustment we didn’t see coming. This lifelong condition constantly keeps me on my toes, throwing one unexpected situation after another. If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that no two days are the same. Just when I think I’ve figured something out, it changes.
Last week was especially hard. Kay’s blood sugar spiked to dangerously high levels, and no matter what I did, I couldn’t bring it down. I felt helpless. Her blood sugar would dip briefly, only to shoot right back up again. Thankfully, her endocrinologist got us in quickly and adjusted her insulin ratios. These ratios determine how much insulin Kay needs based on the carbs she eats, and they even vary by time of day. For instance, nighttime has always been a challenge—her blood sugar stays high for hours. Even after breakfast, low-carb meals can cause her levels to spike, leaving me scrambling to stabilize them for hours. Managing Kay’s diabetes is a full-time job, and the rules are constantly changing.
But through it all, I’ve learned to embrace flexibility and focus on the things that truly matter. If the holidays bring you stress, or if you’re feeling overwhelmed, missing loved ones, or just don’t feel like celebrating in the usual way, that’s okay. You don’t have to do it all. Instead, focus on what makes you happy and create your own joy.
This year, we’re doing just that—choosing what feels best for us, and letting go of the rest. Wishing you all a holiday season filled with peace, love, and moments of happiness in whatever way you choose to celebrate.
Happy Holidays from our little family to yours!