I grew up in a family that didn't talk about anything, and it took me until recently to realize it doesn't have to be that way. I speak to my parents frequently, but I wouldn't say we are close.

Because it was never discussed, I always felt ashamed of my diabetes. I took the control that I could from day one, at seven years old. My mom would "draw up" my shots for me, but I would do the injections. I would check my blood sugars with the crazy meter that took forever and required blotting. :) Then I would report them to my mother, who would record the numbers in neatly drawn columns. If I was below 60, she would put a star next to the number, above 130 would get circled in red ink. I was afraid of what the doctor would say if I had too many stars or circles.

It is amazing how different my life is now. My husband and I talk about everything openly. He asks how I'm feeling, and our older daughter (she's 6) knows that Mommy has a pump and a CGM and what diabetes is, and how it fits into our lives. Even our younger daughter (19 months) points at my infusion and sensor sites and says, "no no no," knowing she can't touch them.

I love the support I get from my husband, Chris and from our girls. But as wonderful as that feels, sometimes I want to talk to someone who knows it from the inside. I have been reading other people's blogs and I love feeling the sense of community that is out there.

So, hi. I'm Erin. I am 31 years old. I live in upstate New York. I'm currently a full time mom to two amazing girls. I have a B.A. in English and part of a masters in education. Oh, and I've had type 1 since 1987, pumping since 1997. And I've been taking care of my diabetes, but I've been in denial by thinking I can do this by myself. I mean, I technically can. But I can be even better in this community. Maybe I can even help someone!