20 Years Gluten-Free and Counting
Whenever this time of year rolls around, I get this feeling. It’s the feeling that I’m forgetting something like a birthday, anniversary, or special occasion. It just so happens that this year the feeling is especially strong and I remember what’s coming. June 13.
On the 13th, I will be celebrating 20 years of gluten-freedom and the day that was literally life changing. Not only did my diagnosis with celiac disease save my life, but it changed it as well.
After giving birth to my healthy baby boy, Cole, my body fell apart and I displayed the classical celiac symptoms – weight loss, fatigue, vomiting, depression, and weakness. I wasn’t even able to climb stairs or turn a faucet.
Sick Mommy Holding Baby Cole at 2 Weeks Old
Eventually, I was hospitalized, had a small bowel biopsy, and a positive diagnosis. With Dave holding my hand and Cole in my arms, Dr. Dalke described celiac as a “rare” disease affecting 1 in 2,500 people. Dave whispered, “I knew you were special but not that special.” Turns out, I’m not really that special with 1 in 133 people living with celiac disease. But I was lucky and the gluten-free diet renewed my health, energy, and disposition.
Healthy Mommy and Cole 6 months after diagnosis
Usually on special anniversaries, gifts are in order. On my special anniversary, I’d like to share a few of many exceptional gifts I’ve received over the years as a result of my diagnosis.
One of the greatest gifts you can give yourself is learning to cook well. You’ll never go hungry and you’ll always have friends.
Learning to cook from scratch was a challenge, but I loved the process. Before gluten-free products were everywhere and labels read “GF,” I learned to season with fresh herbs, spices and pure ingredients to make sauces and dressing from scratch. I learned which herbs and spices produce which flavors and enhance certain foods. My spice cupboard is more like a pantry!
Hosting dinner parties and sharing meals with friends and family gives me a chance to show that gluten-free doesn’t have to be horrible, difficult, or medicinal. Clean, fresh, pure and easy are my approaches to cooking. Hostess tips include set a beautiful table, involve guests, and have plenty of wine.
Annual Chinese New Year party menu – homemade egg rolls, blood orange salad, stir fry veggies, steamed rice, Asian bbq pork, sweet rice cake, and Gewurztraminer wine.
My two gal pals, Jill and Mary, also have celiac disease. These great women have my back in crisis, tragedy, sickness, and gluten episodes. They share my frustration over gluten-free labeling, restaurant mishaps, and family dynamics. We celebrate the GREAT gluten-free life over amazing dinners, annual holiday cookie baking, and family milestones. I cherish them.
Me, Mary, Janna, Jill on Janna’s wedding day. The food…totally gluten-free
– Beckee
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