Is This A Dream?

On February 22nd I wrote this blog about how excited I was that Team Novo Nordisk was invited to race with the worlds best.  I wrote the blog the same way that i write all of my blogs, straight from the heart and with a lot of real emotion.  In my wildest dreams I never thought that my diabetes hero would read it and respond to it.

This morning I received my Team Novo Nordisk Kit!! I immediately ripped open the package and was so happy to see the shorts and jersey.  I instantly ripped off my clothes and put on the kit, I got chills as I was putting the jersey on.  I know I'm a little odd but when the person you admire and look up to takes an interest in you and what your doing for diabetes I couldn't help but be smiling from ear to ear.  As I ran out of the bathroom Leanne gave me a big smile and said "You were made for that uniform!!"  It still amazes me that a guy who almost lost his life because he didn't take care of his diabetes, is being noticed by the worlds only all diabetic cycling team.  I can remember when I first found out about the team, I would go to the gym or cycle everyday in hopes of one day being a part of the team.  Today to receive the kit and so many emails from team members it amazes me, I don't think it has truly sunk in yet.

In my new kit I headed back to the package remembering that something else was in the package.  I looked inside and before my eyes was a signed copy of Not Dead Yet!!!  The book that Phil Southerland wrote that also played a huge part in me getting my diabetes back under my control.  After reading what Mr. Southerland wrote on the inside of the book, I was instantly hit with a little bit of fear.  I have always tried so hard to do all that I can for others with diabetes but by receiving the team kit and a signed copy of the book I feel a ton of pressure.  Mr. Southerland has raised the bar, I want to be on his level one day, I don't know how I will get there but I want to change diabetes.  Every ride that I take with the Team Novo Nordisk kit on I will feel that pressure, people will see me riding and in my mind I want them to see me and say man that kid is flying and he has diabetes.  I can never take it easy or not give all that I have.  That is what Team Novo Nordisk means to me, from Mr. Southerland to the person that cleans the team bus they always give all that they can for the team.  I'm honored to have an official team kit and honored to be a part of such a great team.   I will continue to not only dream big but to do big things for everyone that is affected by diabetes!!