To most, this photo is a random parking garage. To me, it’s a place that’s seen the gamut of emotions from my heart. I have shed many tears inside these concrete barriers and whispered many, many prayers.

This is the garage I park in for each trip to Vandy I make. Between diabetes, the problems I’ve had with my hands and visiting friends, this garage has borne witness to many seasons. Many of them, not joyful ones.

Wednesday was different. Wednesday, I walked back to this garage triumphantly proud. I’d just left my endocrinologist’s office after having one of the best appointments of my 20+year history. For months, I’ve worked with an outside trainer to master diabetes. (Master diabetes. Is that an oxymoron?) It’s been a trial-and-error season of ups and downs.

A few highs. Lots of lows. And a myriad of experiments. There has been tremendous frustration and bouts of anger, mixed with some big successes and triumphs. All of this validated by a wonderful appointment and A1c reflective of the hard work.

In changing my eating and exercise habits, I’ve lowered my basal rates and my insulin-to-carb ratios. I’ve adjusted my schedule and changed my routine to find a happy medium that works for me and my body. It’s been exhausting, and honestly, a bit expensive at times. But seeing a 6.5 A1c makes the work worth it. My BMI was lower, my lab tests were perfect and my blood sugar percentages were reflective of my A1c.

I know there will be peaks and valleys with diabetes. Actually, that could be the understatement of the year. I know I’m fortunate to not have another auto-immune ailment. But for now, the hard work paid off. The investment was worth it.

Because really, how valuable is our health.