Flashback Friday: I found this photo from the Divabetic- Makeover Your Diabetes tour book 2007.
My parents wrote this letter to me: “Thanks for taking out of retirement. What a privilege it has been to work with you – beside you- educating divabetics across America!!! You program is a-MAZE-ing! (They’re referencing the diabetes educational component of our program, which was called ‘The Makeover Maze’) YOU are amazing! And, especially, thanks for being YOU – you are so special – and we are so very proud of you! With Love and Pride, Your MOM and DAD.”
Of course, I am tearing up reading and retyping this message. It’s always emotional for me to look back at our Divabetic memories because I can’t forget Luther’s devastating stroke related to mismanaged type 2 diabetes is what changed the course of my life.
Perhaps if I wasn’t the one who found my boss on the floor unable to move, called the paramedics, rushed him to the hospital, and then told by the doctor in Emergency that Luther’s stroke could have been prevented, I would have just continued working in entertainment. I would have gone on that Madonna World Tour instead of choosing to pilot our first makeover programs in Atlanta, GA, and Philadelphia, PA. But I was the one who found a helpless Luther on the floor after suffering a stroke. I was the one who rushed him to the hospital. The doctor confronted me with those brutal remarks within a matter of minutes after arriving at the hospital. I was the one who went home in a state of shock at the end of the day. I was the one who watched the Late Night news announce Luther had a stroke but made no mention that mismanaged type 2 diabetes caused it. I was screaming at the TV, ashamed of my ignorance with a heart full of regret.
Yesterday, I spoke about my experience for the first time, and it was surprising how real and vivid my memories still are even after 20 years.
Dedicating my life to helping others ‘keep their house a home’ by learning to avoid, delay or prevent complications related to mismanaged diabetes made me a better man. Partnering with my parents, Luther’s family and co-workers, caring educators, beauty experts, and celebrities on this program was life-changing.
I like this version of myself. Thank you!
