When we finally sat down in December and looked at the calendar, we compared my Rescue teaching schedule to the CIM calendar and there was a major overlap. I was scheduled to be teaching Ice Rescue courses in Medicine Hat, Lethbridge and Regina immediately before, during and directly after Slipstream.
My attendance at Slipstream 2011 was not to be.
Given I had no chance of making a whirlwind return to Haliburton, I moved on and quickly put the idea of me making an appearance to Slipstream 2011 to rest. Although, I did have notions of a surprise appearance…swooping in for a few nights. Alas, there was just now way i could make it.
Throughout January, I continued my work across the table from Chlo in January as she and Jen had Skype meeting after Skype meeting ironing out the details for the biggest Slipstream yet. There were talks of scheduling, drumming, room assignments, merchandise, food allergies, flights, car pooling, CGM trials, Bayer meters, Extend bars, Inuit blankets and general excitement for the annual Diabetic winter frenzy. I should mention there were many guest Skype appearances from Hank, Chelsea and Mark, to name a few. All the while, I worked away not really allowing myself the time to think about my lack of attendance at Wanakita in 2011.
As the weeks in January disappeared, Slipstream, which seemed so far off, was just around the corner. Before I knew it, we were talking about how Chlo could strategically pack her bags to avoid the new “extra” bag charge from Westjet. Piles began to appear around our condo. There were piles of winter gear, CIM swag, binders, to do lists and of course Diabetes supplies. None of the piles were mine. The realization that I wasn’t going had started to creep into my periphery. As we packed the car last week, Chlo said “are you sure you don’t want to come?” And the FOMO (fear of missing out) began.
It’s true, I don’t have diabetes. And really, as Slipstream is an event for Type 1’s only, I really shouldn’t be there. However, in the first 2 years I was welcomed with open arms and allowed to hide in the background throughout the weekend. Given what I was able to observe and learn from this group of Type 1’s coming together and empowering each other, we talked about CIM hosting an event not just for Type 1’s, but for Type 1’s AND family and friends. If everyone’s wife, husband, mother, etc. could see their loved one glow for 48 hours straight, they too would understand why Slipstream is such an incredible experience for all the participants and start to begin to understand my FOMO.
Do you want to know what I missed the most about Slipstream 2011? I missed seeing the diabetic transformation. The transformation that began on friday night upon arrival and continued throughout the weekend. I will never forget Chloe riding in her 1st Slipstream in Australia with HypoActive. This was her first diabetic transformation. For the first time I was the “outsider” without Type 1 on this 48 hour bike race. Everyone was speaking “her” diabetic language. No one judged her as she pricked her finger or asked the same typical diabetic questions (ie. “is Type 1 the bad kind?”) or was curious to know why she was wearing a garage door opener on her hip. She left that weekend race with a renewed dedication to healthy, active living that led her to create Connected In Motion. In the following months she dreamt of Slipstream and an annual pilgrimage was born.
Winter Slipstream is a hotbed for the diabetic transformation. New Slipstreamers arrive at Wanakita as a Type 1 soloist and leave on sunday as a proud member of the Slipstream team. They leave with a renewed drive to live a healthy, active Diabetic life, knowing that they have an immense support system waiting in the wings to offer advice for any given situation. The transformation is incredible to watch and from what I gather, even more amazing to be a part of.
Slipstreamers, old and new, you are an amazing source of inspiration and I look forward to seeing you next year. I vow not to miss another one.
Looking forward to Slipstream 2012!
Rob Vance
Fantastic post, Rob! It gives a really neat perspective to the Slipstream experience.
WE MISSED YOU!
Hey, big shock here, but I’ve got tears running down my cheeks!!! lol
Thanks for the post Rob! I look forward to meeting you next year!
you were missed this year, Rob. Great post.
Amazing that both you and Chloe have this great, honest way with words that makes your writing compelling and clear. Must be all the fresh air.
I have never heard it called a garage door opener before. I am using that on the next person I see with a pump who does not know me. One could have a lot of fun with this at a diabetes conference.