Thankful Thursday: Week 36 – I’m not thankful for celiac disease, but…

Oh boy.  Celiac Awareness Day falls on a Thankful Thursday.  Hmm….

For the record, I am NOT thankful I have celiac disease, no matter what I said in the beginning.

Frankly, celiac disease sucks.  It’s way harder than I thought it would be.

But this isn’t Thankless Thursday, this is Thankful Thursday.  So, here’s what I’m thankful for when it comes to celiac disease:

-The way my dietitian eyes have been opened to what it’s really like to have celiac disease, and how hard it can be to treat it.

-The love and support from friends and family who have gone out of their way to provide me safe food when I’m away from home.

-The way friends and family have become advocates for the celiac community by educating others, even when I’m not around (including restaurant waitstaff and managers).

-The fact that my church started offering gluten-free communion crackers last week (I don’t think it’s because of me, but I brought up the idea months ago and am so happy to see it happen for everyone in our faith community who needs it).

-The way my eyes have been opened to special needs of food pantries, something I hope to get more involved in.

-The friendships I’ve made with people in the celiac community.  Friends like DudeKen, and Erica who check up on me when they know I’m having a rough week.

-The platform to have a voice for people with celiac disease.

Celiac Disease, I don’t love you.  But as with all things in life, there is always something to be thankful for.

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P.S. Enter to win one of these fun shirts at Celiac and the Beast.  Or don’t enter, and then I’ll have a better chance of winning…

  • Gluten Dude September 13, 2012 at 12:52 pm

    It’s all about the glass being half-full. So much to be thankful for, even with this crappy disease.

  • Erica D September 13, 2012 at 3:36 pm

    🙂 You are amazing and inspirational. I’ve obviously become INSPIRED 🙂

    • inspiredrd September 15, 2012 at 9:37 am

      Right back at you Erica!

  • Ken Scheer September 16, 2012 at 6:27 pm

    So honored to be a part of this great group. Thanks for the shout out!!