American Diabetes Association

They are the eighth charity to contact me this year. The American Diabetes Association sent me a nickel. At first I thought it was fake because it was one of those head’s on sideways “new” nickels. I’m not sure what to do with it. ADA never really explain why they sent the nickel, but they are careful to tell me they do want it back…if I can’t afford to make a bigger donation. The American Diabetes Association is a lot like other charities – certain monies go for research, education & support. Their goal is to reach every American who is possibly affected by the disease.

I’ll donate because I know diabetes. Not personally, but we have acquaintances. We’ve met through others, unfortunately. I’ve watched the ravages of this disease – obesity, blindness, kidney failure, to name a few.

I sat with her through dialysis. She lay lost in layers of blankets, propped in a royal blue recliner like Henry on a Football Sunday. She complained of being cold, blue veins puffy under the surface of her bony hands.  A nurse guided shaky fingers to the nest of wires in her lap, “hold these. They’ll be warm.” Of course they would, 98.6 F warmer to be exact. Her own blood through the wires; warmer than the air, warming her hands.

I don’t know how many treatments she went through before she died.  Years later I went to see her husband in the exact same hospital. Walking by the room with that royal blue recliner I could help but wonder if she wasn’t warmer now. I hope so.