The Good In People

[T.H.]

I've been running into so many frustrations with trying to get gluten free stuff lately, and seeing so many upsetting stories about thoughtless in-laws and teachers and how they deal with children with celiac disease. This is to celebrate all the people who care and understand about children and their needs. All the ones who went to extra lengths to help out, or even to understand. So, a couple wonderful examples since we've gone gluten free.

The 'tea party' that my son and daughter were invited to. The hosts, who have no issues at all, called me up and found out all the ingredients my kids couldn't have. Then they made every food they offered safe for my kids, every single thing. My son walked in that house, looking at the table full of cakes and goodies, and they tell him that he can eat everything on it. I have never see him smile so big. It was the first time he'd been able to go somewhere and eat all the same things that everyone else got to. I nearly cried, I was so touched by their hard work and thoughtfulness.

Then there's friends of mine, who on finding out I had celiac disease, invited me over two days later, and I walk in to find three grocery bags full of gluten free treats that they bought so that I could eat everything they could. Every time we get together since the kids' diagnosis, they always make sure that most or all of the food around is gluten free.

It's not that I expect everyone in the world to cater to our differences, you know? But I think about what I'd do for people I care about, and see what the people who care about me have done, and it's this great reminder of how much people DO for friends and children in this situation. Sometimes, people are just marvelous.

Nice to remember, on those bad days, I think.

[ravenwoodglass]

I have tears in my eyes right now. You have wonderful friends. They are very special people. It is so hard and alienating, especially for children. I am so happy for your son and can imagine the joy both of you felt. Bet the other kids never even noticed the food was 'special'.

[T.H.]

Nope, they really didn't! I get all choked up, every time I remember my son's face, I swear. Glad it brightened you day a little too!

I have tears in my eyes right now. You have wonderful friends. They are very special people. It is so hard and alienating, especially for children. I am so happy for your son and can imagine the joy both of you felt. Bet the other kids never even noticed the food was 'special'.

[Kelly&Mom]

How cool. I remember being sad thinking my daughter would never get to go to "high tea" again...... or when she goes to a sleepover and they have pizza for dinner and donuts for breakfast.... She's still resistant to taking her own food, although I try and I don't think the other parents would mind helping her pop a gluten free pizza in the oven..... Hopefully she'll toughen up a little. She does have some wonderful friends who have made her gluten-free cookies or called to ask what she can and cannot have I love taking her to places like PF Changs and BJ's that have gluten-free menus so she can just order, no big deal

One of my friends had us over for dinner the other night, everything was gluten-free. She also got me a wonderful gluten-free cookbook. Can't wait to try the angel food cake!!

I guess there will always be those who don't care but I think there are more people who do care if they are educated. Even my youngest daughter insisted that she wasn't going to eat gluten-free is now one of our staunchest watchdogs Wonders never cease! I grew up with a diabetic sister so I'm used to making changes, making things differently but I think some people never think about it until it's brought to their attention.