World Diabetes Day and My Amazing Mother #BeRemarkable
Did you know that World Diabetes day is coming up very soon, it’s on November 14th, 2015. I want to talk more about that and share a few things with you but as this day approaches it makes me think of my mother. Sadly my mom is no longer with us, she’s been gone for quite a few years but when I do think of her I think of the amazing and remarkable woman that she was. She was tough, fair and while not overt with her emotions she loved her family with ferocity, especially her three grand daughters, one of whom is my own daughter who is now 14.
My mother
My mother who was Vietnamese lived through the Vietnam War, in fact she was only 23 or so when the war was ending and by then she had met my father a Canadian and had me. We left Vietnam when I was only two years old, my mom left her very large family and all the friends she had ever known to go to a country where she barely knew the language and didn’t know anyone. It wasn’t until I was older and worked at a university with international students where I fully realized the challenges my mother faced as an immigrant to Canada.
My mother and I when I was only two years old
She lost siblings in the war and then left the rest of her family behind to come to Canada with my dad and I. I of course just saw her as my mom, she was the one of all of her friends who spoke English the best, she was their translator, the one who helped others to settle into Canada after overcoming the same challenges herself but without help from a friendly face (besides my dad of course). As I began to help international students settle into their routines, placing them in homestay, seeing how they struggled with English it gave me a new appreciation of what my mother and others who come to Canada go through. I think it’s a bravery that not everyone is successful at it. I myself have never had to go to another country to live where I don’t know the language and had no friends or family to help me out.
My mother and I when I was apparently old enough to drink lol
Not only did my mom teacher herself to speak and write English (she knew only a little bit but spoke Vietnamese and French), she helped my dad run his business, helped a few of her friends start restaurants, raised a family and helped many many Vietnamese immigrants settle into the Vancouver area. To me that is amazing.
My mom and my daughter when she was not even one year’s old
Now why do I think of her when I hear about World Diabetes Day? Well she also had diabetes and near the end she had to take insulin shots, she took this all in stride and it never stopped her from doing what she wanted to do. My mother is the example I want to be to my own daughter and I will I miss her every day she still inspires me.
Check out Pan Am hurdler Gregory Macneil who also has diabetes and how he promotes the positive message that Canadians with diabetes are strong and can achieve greatness. You can see his video HERE. Help everyone believe that they can #BeRemarkable especially on World Diabetes Day! Click on the link where it says get the word out and tweet or share on Facebook!
Who do you have in your life that is amazing to you?
AD says
It’s amazing what our mother’s do for us; my Mom also immigrated to Canada and the struggles they went through in a foreign country is amazing. I have an amazing life because of them! Diabetes also runs in my family, thank you for the reminder.
Terri says
My elder sister passed away recently, leaving me with her little cat. She has become such a part of my life now, I can hardly remember not having her!
missbobloblaw says
My friend has type 2, and is amazing because she is working really hard to make better choices to keep it in check. She is inspiring me to make healthier choices!
Silvia D says
What a touching story. My grandparent, aunts, my own mother all were or are amazing, they all had diabetes,i learned so much and made my life with diabetes now..a little easier. They lived a normal life with diabetes and that has inspired me!
SueSueper says
I knew a lady who just died last week. She went through so much over this past year, it is amazing how strong she was.
Krista M says
Very inspiring! Type 1 Diabetes runs in my family. My great-grandmother had it (I noticed online they even post diabetes diagnosis on the ancestry records) and my sister has it also. She takes insulin & partakes in scientific studies whenever she can, if it applies to her. I feel proud these women in my family have been strong & persevered through this life changing disease.
Tara Gauthier says
My daughter has a few kids at her school that have diabetes.
Josie says
great story! Mom’s are so amazing!
Pam says
I don’t know anyone personally with diabetes but there is a young girl in my community who I follow on facebook who is bringing a lot of attention to diabetes awareness.
Amber Y says
A friend of mine has had diabetes since he was very young. I always think of him when I read articles and posts like this one. He really is remarkable.
Andrea Williams says
Our son developed Diabetes 1 when he was 16 and though it took a while to adjust he is doing very well and attending university at this time.
Wendy hutton says
Your mother sounds amazing. I have an uncle with diabetes and he is the most wonderful caring man I know.
Carey Hurst says
My Nana and Grandpa.. My Nana had diabetes for years and she even developed Alzheimers .. My grandpa who is almost 90 just had an operation to remove a cancerous growth from behind his ear this week. It is hard to watch people you love go through illness. Thanks for sharing your story .
Suzi says
It’s my dad because he is amazing and doesn’t let his diabetes or his high blood pressure get him down!
Lisa Johnston says
Beautiful pictures to go along with the story.
Cheryl says
What a nice story she sounds like a amazing woman 🙂
Florence C says
Thank you for sharing your story. My husband has diabetes and it runsin his family. My mom also and is hoping I can prevent it from happening to me.
Debbie Petch says
This is a lovely Canadian story! My family immigrated from Italy and had similar experiences.
Jenness M says
My mum is also amazing to me. Shes struggled with early onset arthritis for decades and I’ve never heard her complain.
Brenda Penton says
I loved reading about your mom. Diabetes runs in my family. My dad’s mother had it and my grandfather has had it since his 30s.
Brenda Penton says
My grandmother is the one I find amazing. She fell down the stairs and suffered brain damage along with a broken leg around 8 years ago. It led to her having dementia and a host of other problems. She has since made it through a very risky surgery which they didn’t expect her to pull through, and two other times was admitted to the hospital with no plans on release. She is now still living at home. She is a fighter and is so strong!
Lisa Smith says
It’s amazing how many people from all walks of life are effected by this illness. There are so many people that are fighting the good fight everyday and we don’t even know.
Daniel Pronych says
Thanks for sharing your experience with diabetes. I know someone with diabetes from the age of 5 and one of my own grandmas has diabetes. It is inspirational to see how well they handle and look after it! The individual I know who had diabetes since the age of 5 also does not allow this to discourage him from continuing to play ice hockey which is a sport he is very dedicated to playing.
Leanne S says
Your Mom seems amazing! Diabetes is in my family genes so my whole family can learn to do better.
LILLIAN BROWN says
Thanks for sharing! Diabetes is very common today
Juliee Fitze says
My Mom ia amazing to me , she has fought cancer , diabetes and is still going strong.
Crystal Porter says
My grandfather was diabetic and he was my whole world. Taught me music 🙂
lori b says
it seems more and more people I know are being diagnosed. most recent my sister in law. she has made a lifetime eating habit change and looks and feel amazing she says. more awareness is great
JaimeeM says
Thanks for sharing this. I am sure it wasnt an easy post for you to write. Diabetes is rough on family.
Angela Mitchell says
Beautiful photos! I have several people in my extended family and friends with diabetes and I am always amazed at the amount of work it takes to stay healthy.
Deana says
My mom is amazing! She is a pillar of strength! She is the one everyone turns to in their hour of need!
Tara L says
I actually am on the borderline of getting diabetes it is so scary because I’ve heard so much stuff that it can do to your body.
Carol M says
Wow, your Mom was remarkable. So many hurdles to overcome.
I too have lost my Mom but she was always amazing to me. Miss her.
Darwin says
Thank you for sharing your story. Your mom was remarkable and it’s great for you to share her story. So many people can relate to it.
ginette4 says
Thank you for sharing..your Mom sounds like an amazing person..true definition of amazing
josephine evans says
Thanks for sharing this. I know many who have diabetes. My niece is five and she was just diagnosed.
Brenda Witherspoon-Bedard says
Thanks for sharing – it seems we all have been touched by diabetes
loucheryl says
My mom is an amazing person in my life too! I just love all of the photos you have posted. They are so sweet. My husband has diabetes and I know the struggles that this disease causes.
Clair P says
wow very nice, my grandma is a pretty strong women and I wish I could be more like her
Cheryl says
Thanks for sharing! Diabetes is very scary
Viv Sluys says
What a beautiful story. It sounds like your mother was a truly remarkable woman and someone to look up to for sure!
Darlene Demell says
Your mom was a very beautiful person. Many in my family including my husband has diabetes and is on the needle. He does have in under control thankfully. Thank you for sharing.
Joey B says
This post makes me realize that I really need to manage my diabetes better.
Steph Bkn says
Thanks for sharing, your mom reminds me of my mom. She recently had to switch to insulin injections and she amazes me how it has never slowed her down, she still is super mom/grandma and still manages her sugars.
Julie F says
My cousin who until last year was a police officer, he lost the lower part of his leg but you would never know it, actually most of his colleagues never actually knew until he was interviewed on local tv!
Erika E says
Thanks for sharing this. Your Mom sounds like she was definitely a remarkable person. I admire people who don’t let diabetes stop them from doing the things they want.
Sarah Kurtz says
Diabetes sucks… I have a friend with diabetes. No fun at all for her.
Sandy Cain says
God rest her, your mom was a true beauty. With brains and guts, too. Thanks for bringing attention to Diabetes Day. It took my father 15 years ago, and now my brother has it too. And my mom’s A1C is creeping up in the danger zone. I honestly do feel a cure a cure will be found, please, God, soon! And all of my family is amazing to me!
letessha says
Diabetes is a serious killing disease. It has passed through my family from generation to generation. It has claimed the lives of my mom, uncles, aunts, and grandmom. Currently I have it due to having gestational diabetes with all my deliveries. Your mom sounds like a wonderful lady.
Sandra Watts says
Interesting post. My Aunts and Uncles all have diabetes. My Uncle the worst because he has problems with his feet a lot.
Freda says
Your mom was beautiful. I have type 2 diabetes myself.
Powered by Mom says
Thank you Freda, I thought so too, thanks for sharing I hope you’re managing your type 2 diabetes well all my best to you!
lisa says
Your mother sounds like she was a remarkable woman. Diabetes is a serious disease. I knew a few people with it. The complications can be fatal. I have two people that I’ve lost to it.
Linda Manns says
Diabetes is a tough thing to deal with. It effects so many parts of the body. Your mom sounds like she was a wonderful woman. You have many great memories. Thank you so much for sharing
Sophia,M.,McConnery says
I have the exact opposite of it.Low blood sugar does effect a lot of people but it is not widely talked about.It is very hard to bring up your blood sugar.NO you do not eat sugar to bring it up.You have to follow the diabetic diet but eat about every 2 hours.My blood sugar readings in the morning are enough to put a person in a coma!2 – 2.5 only?
Jill H says
My Father also had diabetes, he was an amazing man he lost his sight from diabetes & died at an early age in his forty’s due to diabetes. He did so many incredible things & had a great sense of humor, I still miss him.
Shannon says
Thank you for sharing all of this information about your mom, my husband has diabetes as well.
Amber Ludwig says
This is beautiful!! My Mom is amazing to me as well!! She raised 3 kids by herself and I to this day have no idea how she did it without having a mental breakdown lol!! High five mom, for being strong, amazing and persevering through the toughest of times!
LennyG says
Thanks for highlighting this!