I can't believe it's already been 4 years

4 years ago we were sitting in church waiting for the meeting again when I decide to tell my mom that I felt really dehydrated and there was nothing I could do to quench my thirst and I kept having to go to the restroom every 5 minuets. Before I knew it I was pricking my finger just like I had done in the past for fun when my dad, brother, or sister would take their tests. This time was different though, instead of having a normal reading the number was high. I felt like I had run into a brick wall at full speed ahead. Before I knew it my mom and I were on the way to the emergency room. The thought that kept running through my head was, "there is no way this is right, this can't be happening." Out of all the emotions I could feel, I was scared. I had grown up around diabetes my whole life, but it wasn't suppose to happen to me. The whole way to the emergency room I was in denial, i kept telling myself that there must be some kind of mistake. But it was real, it was happening and there was nothing I could do to stop it.
   As I was laying in the emergency room with the IV in my arm, I was just in shock. But my mom was right there by my side. Even though I had been so used to diabetes I felt like it was an entirely different thing because it wasn't just watching from a distance anymore, it was happening to me. I was so great to have the support I did though because I had people who could empathize with me because they knew what I was going through.
   It was had at first, I kept thinking "why me", but I have been able to see how this has helped me. Yeah, it can be a pain sometimes. It is never going to be easy. But I have learned to live with it and instead of letting it bring me down I just realize that it is a part of who I am. We are all given trials in our lives, but nothing that we cannot handle, sure there are days that I wish I didn't have to check my blood sugar and take insulin before eating. But at the end of the day I know that it is making me a stronger person and it is all going to be worth it.

The way I have come to see Valentine's Day.

  Every year Valentine's day gets more and more commercialized, when in reality it is a day to show a little more love then you show on a daily basis. Every girl wishes they could have their one true love on Valentine's to buy them flowers and tell them how much they mean. That is all fine and dandy but that is not the only thing Valentine's is about.
  We all have people we love and we have people who love us. For me the people I love the most are my family members. I try my hardest to let them know how much I love them. For me Valentine's day is a time to reflect what all they have done for me and how much I appreciate the love I receive from them. My dad, Always knows how to put a smile on my face. This morning I got a text from him that said, "Good morning sweetheart! Happy Valentines to one of the loves in my life!" When I read this text it put a huge smile on my face! I know that my dad loves me but little things like this that he does makes me realize it more. My mom, I do not even know where to start. She is so amazing, a friend to call when I am having a bad day, a shoulder to cry on, the best advice giver! She is the best example of love, charity, humility, etc, besides our Savior, that I can think of. She is always there when I need her to be and is willing to do anything. My older brother David, one of my best friends! He is serving a 2 year mission for our church right now in Seattle. He is doing so great and I love hearing from him. We have a special relationship that I can not even describe. He is just such a great example to me. My brother Joe, I am so proud of how well he does at accomplishing the things that he sets his mind to. He is such a smart kid and he knows what he wants in life. I really admire that about him because it can be hard for some of us sometimes to really know what we want. But Joe, he knows what he wants and it willing to work for it. Kayley, my one and only sister. But I would not have it any other way, I could not ask for a better younger sister. Her and I have such a silly friendship I just love it. I love going home because I know going home I will be able to have at least one sister date with her. I love those so much and I always look forward to them. She is also turning into such a beautiful young lady, I do not know where my little sister went because she is no longer little. And my little bud, Aaron, boy he is such a goof ball! I love him so much. He can brighten anyone's day, but he can also be the biggest comforter you need. I love spending time with him, even though he is growing up way too fast! I feel like every time I go home he is so much bigger than when I left. He teaches me lessons that I need to know or that I may just need to remember.
  I love my family so much. Valentines to me is so much more than just buying chocolates and flowers. It is remembering why you love someone. I hope that everyone has a wonderful Valentine's day and does not get too down if they do not have that romantic kind of love type of day.