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This is always a tough one to write. I often find myself staring at the blinking cursor, unsure of what to write because there is simply so much material. When I tell people I have celiac, they often smother me with pity, always expressing how sorry they are and how hard it must be. In a way, they're right, but not for the reason they thought.
See, for an old hat, celiac is simply reality, it is normal. After years pass, you know what you like to eat, where to find your products, how best to read ingredient lists. Most of us realize that celiac is no lesser to a gluten diet, especially for someone like me who's had celiac from an extremely young age. I've never missed it. However, those that are newly diagnosed do struggle with getting into the feel of things, based on conversations I've had. Despite those adversities, most celiacs and those with gluten intolerance are able to push through and settle into a way of life that suits them. And while some might still reminisce about the deep-dish pizza place down the street or their favorite chocolate muffin from that one café, they can at least navigate daily life.
It is only when people make comments do we begin to struggle, it is only when we go out into the world do we truly meet adversity. And again, this is simply speaking from my personal reality; everybody experiences different things. Now, in my personal case, when I attend birthday parties, bar mitzvahs, sleepovers, etc., that is when life decides to bite. It's not celiac that hurts, it's the comparison that comes with others that cuts. It's something like: Oh, I'm fine with my diet, but look over there! The cookies and bread and cakes and ice cream... and I can't have them. In my life, celiac is only limited in public where I am surrounded by people happily chomping away on things I can't consume.
Whoo! That was enough heavy material for today. Before signing off, I want to finish with this: celiac can bring struggles, but I will never regret it, for it's brought me unimaginable bravery and resilience, in all areas of my life. I'm confident it will be for you too, if you're struggling right now. I will say, the positives of this autoimmune disease vastly outweigh the negatives (speaking from my perspective, of course).
Until next time,
Genuine GF