I’m 29? Really?

I spend an awful lot of time around kids below the age of 17. I’m a mentor to several teens, and I lead an outreach group for teens with type 1 diabetes. My closest friends in Huntsville have little ones with type 1 diabetes, and they are some of my favorite little people in the world! My three closest little people friends are all below the age of 8. And when you factor in JDRF and Hot Shots as a whole, my favorite part of events are seeing the kids. One day a few months back, it occurred to me that I’m 29 years old and most of my D-friends were all younger than my by more than a decade. I figured it might be time to find some D-friends around my own age. (Of course, I have numerous friends online, but I’m specifically thinking about locals in my community).

As part of Hot Shots, I started an adult outreach group. There was no age limit, other than being an adult. So far, we’ve had three dinner meetings, all with less than stellar attendance. The last dinner meeting only found three type 1s showing up. Each time, I get a little more discouraged. I know dinner can be boring and people are busy, but having others with D around in my corner has helped me tremendously! It’s hard to put into words just how much others have done for me and my diabetes management. All I want, is to help others feel the exact same thing. I want others to know they are not alone, and I want spouses to know there are others with the same thoughts and fears as their own. At our second outing, a wife said she always thought her husband was naturally grouchy, but after meeting other type 1s and theirs spouses, she learned highs and lows can change a person’s mood. “I never knew that,” she said.

Just last week, I entertained an 8-year-old friend while her parents went to a Christmas party. While playing Pictionary, she looked up and said, “you know, it’s nice having someone else with diabetes around.”

“Yeah? Why’s that?”

“Because you don’t have to explain anything. My best friend at school knows about diabetes, but I have to explain what I’m doing and why I’m doing it all the time. When you’re here, I don’t have to because you already know.”

Cue the melting heart now. In a few simple sentences, an 8-year-old summed up the entire purpose behind Hot Shots. While as a whole, Hot Shots has other goals in mind, its primary function is to bring families affected by type 1 diabetes together for support, networking and outreach. And some cases, just for two hours free from any and all explanation.

I fear the biggest reason for the lack of attendance for my adult gatherings is sheer boredom. I need to liven up this party, so I’m hoping you can help. Do you have any ideas for an adult meet-up beyond dinner out? If you have an adult group in your area, what things do y’all do? I’d like everyone to enjoy themselves, feel carefree and meet others — diabetes or not. Keep in mind, we have a wide age range, but we can tailor activities if need be.

I love the DOC, and I haven’t been let down yet so I can’t wait to hear some suggestions. And while you’re at it, I’m also trying to come up with a clever name to call us besides “adult type 1 meet-up.” How boring is that? No wonder others don’t come. 😉 I know there’s a need for this type of group in Huntsville because the few that come to dinner have become great friends and benefitted from sharing experiences with others. (And now I have a few more friends my own age.) #winning