In another thread, a discussion came up about wanting other people to understand what it is we're going through with T1D. I said that I totally related to that need and that it's nice when people at least make the effort. Someone else asked for suggestions as to how we can help make others understand what it's like to stand in our shoes. I'm not sure whether it was a serious request or a rhetorical request to point out that such understanding might be impossible. I have to admit that I'm personally working on letting go of the need to be understood. I once heard a spiritual teacher speak of that need and how impossible it is. My husband and I often quote his best line: "You don't even undestand yourself. How can anyone else ever hope to understand you."

That being said, it occurred to me last night that people might relate if I asked them to imagine that their body no longer controlled its own temperature. They were now responsible for their own temperature regulation 24 hours a day and if they didn't keep within a specific range, they could be doing long term damage to their body. That example might make them think a little more deeply about what a constant thing D is, but I don't know that it would still get to the heart of the matter, which lead me back to my thought that I want to let go of the hopeless quest for understanding.