Monday, September 15, 2008

Blue Monday -- Dog Planter


Sally over at SmilingSally is hosting Blue Monday where you post something blue to your blog. I was going to post my animal planters this week anyway so today I'll share the only blue one. (You can click on the picture to see a larger version.)

Dog planter

Last month, and I don't know the exact date, made it thirty years since I was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes. I spent over a week in the hospital back then, watching films and reading books and pamphlets about the disease, learning how to give myself insulin injections and how to follow a diet that excluded all of my favorite things: cookies, donuts, candy, regular soda, maple syrup, bubble gum and chocolate. A family that we knew because my sister and I went to school with the daughters and our moms were friends, sent me this doggie planter while I was in the hospital. It came with a small palm in it, which died years later because someone forgot to consistently water it. If you look close, you can see where I glued the dog back together after it broke when I knocked it off a shelf once.

I've held on to this planter over the years because I love dogs and after the palm died, it was good for storing pens and pencils. But sometimes I look at it and it hits me how long I've had diabetes. I honestly thought I'd live about ten years with the disease and that would be it. (Which makes you wonder just what was in those pamphlets I read while I was in the hospital!) Knowing that I've had diabetes for two thirds of my life now just amazes me and I'm glad I still have this little blue doggie planter to remind me of that.
You can see who else is joining in on Blue Monday here.

(For Connie, Randi, MaryAnn, Neil and Mrs. Hart.)

16 comments:

SmilingSally said...

Congratulations for your success!

The blue dog is adorable, and you've thought up a good way to use it.

I've been diagnosed with diabetes too, and The American Diabetes Assn. has changed the rules. Now, we Can eat all the things you listed. Check it out and see how.

Anonymous said...

Patty! Wow what a sweet little planter/gift to remember your journey with. I'm glad you've managed your diabetes well! Blessings.

Anonymous said...

You know diabetes is one of those diseases that requires active partisipation and it sounds like your doing a wonderful job at keeping yours under control. Hat off to you because I know it isn't easy. Your planter is so sweet!

Twyla and Lindsey said...

What a cute little dog planter! So glad you still have it. You must be taking good care of yourself. Good for you! I will check out the other Blue Monday participants. Blue is my favorite color. Twyla

Molly said...

The blue dog planter is very cute and I understand keeping reminders of things. Thanks for sharing about your health issue--I have celiac disease so I kinda understand a limited diet. I also understand about time getting away from us! :-) I love your blog; I am an embroider-er too! I am adding you to my list. Happy Monday!

Susan Hickam said...

I think your little dog planter is adorable. I have two dogs and two cats who I am a slave too. I can't imagine life without too much hair in the house. Glad to meet you. I will be back.

Grandma Faith said...

Thank you for sharing your story. Your cute little dog planter is so pretty and the story makes it special.

bj said...

Such a precious blue dog...thanks so much for sharing.
Take good care...
love, bj

Dawn said...

What a cute planter. My husband is diabetic and is doing very well.

I'm glad to hear that you have done so well for so long.

Happy Blue Monday.

take care,
Dawn

Unknown said...

It's amazing the memories our tchotchkies bring back!
And I want to know what was in those brochures also! I was diagnosed w/ Type 2 diabetes about 3 months ago, and the literature they gave me was horrifying also! Mine is prednisone-induced, so it will eventually go away. I don't get the scare tactics!

Anonymous said...

It's a cute doggie! My mom was diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes later in life -- definitely no fun at all.

Diane said...

Sounds like you're taking care of yourself, so good for you! What a sweet little doggie planter. I'm glad that you shared him with us :)

Threeundertwo said...

What a great planter! Not only is it cool and retro, but it has memories of your life attached to it.

Put it on your list of things to grab in case of a fire.

I am Arizona; a person, not a place. said...

Diabetes isn't easy to manage, so you've done a great job since you've had it for so long and are still going strong! I love that planter.

Jenaveve said...

Your post really touched me. What an awesome feat, 30 years of managing diabetes. I think the doggie planter is a great reminder and inspiration to us of your strength and determination. It's not easy; well done I say.

Gemma Wiseman said...

Your doggie planter is almost like a good luck charm! It looks so magical!