November Awareness Month

November is Alzheimer’s Awareness Month. It holds a very special significance for me as my father passed away on September 7th, 2002 due to complications from Alzheimer’s. He suffered 10 long years with the gradual loss of his memory, and eventually his life. I am very thankful, though, that even to his last breath, he never forgot me or my kids. He forgot other family members, but not us. I truly miss him. I can honestly say that my dad was also my best friend, and he had such a big influence on me, which is kind of funny because for the longest time I thought that my view on life was due to my mom’s influence, when it fact, it was really my dad.

I have recently discovered that November is also National Adoption Awareness Month for those that reside in the United States. I was adopted at birth, so again, another cause that is close to my heart.

And, for those who either have been diagnosed with Diabetes, or have a loved one with this disease, November is also Diabetes Awareness Month. My mother had diabetes and fought for many years to get it under control. She had a difficult time as her triglycerides were always “off the chart”, and she ended up in the hospital quite a few times in an attempt to get her diabetes under control. I remember needing to learn how to give her an insulin injection, as a safety measure, in case she got too sick to give it to herself. I learned how to fill the syringe. This later came in handy as I was diagnosed with pre-Diabetes and was briefly put on Byetta. (I ended up taking myself OFF it when I discovered there was a recall on it from the FDA, due to possible links with liver damage. I wasn’t taking that kind of chance with my health.)

Anyways…. I am sure there are other causes that are in the spotlight this month – I just thought I’d say a little about the three that are closest to my heart.