I’m sitting at my computer, my desk pushed up against a large east-facing window. It’s early and the morning light seems hesitant to interrupt the lead-gray clouds resting on the horizon.
I feel the same way – hesitant. I’m writing the first entry for my glutenfreeforgood blog. Why is this hard? I’ve been thinking about doing it for months now.
My goal is to increase awareness of celiac disease and help people live a healthy gluten-free lifestyle. Healthy, in a holistic way. I want to be doing this. I’m supposed to be doing this (long story that I’ll save for another time).
I get up early (ridiculously early) and have my tea and read my favorite blogs. It’s such a nice way to start the day. Much better than reading the newspaper. Shauna (glutenfreegirl) with her eloquent writing on life, love, and food. Karina’s (glutenfreegoddess) endearing sense of humor and fun spirit, Seamaiden’s international flair for GF food (definitely yum!), and on and on. There are too many to mention. And I can’t forget Brendon’s (somethinginseason) well-written response (rebuttal?) to the article in the New York Times last May about gluten intolerance. I love this little subculture of gluten-free advocates. I want to add to the mix.
But how do I start? Someone inspired me.
“The CeliacChicks have posted something new.” Sadly, it was word that the original gluten-free queen, Bette Hagman, had died. It was a lovely post by Kelly and the significance of it inspired me.
This is supposed to be my first post on my new blog. A tribute to Bette. After reading Kelly’s post, I pulled out all my Gluten-Free Gourmet cookbooks and made some of Bette’s cookies. Yes, I was eating cookies at the crack of dawn, and I’m a nutrition therapist, no less. Cookies as therapy? That works on occasion.
Many years ago, my daughter was diagnosed with a wheat allergy. We had no idea what to do, so we bought one of Bette’s books and learned the fine art of mixing up a batch of “alternative” flour. We continued to buy her books. Then my dad got sick and I bought my parent’s one of Bette’s books. And on it went.
My daughter has since been officially diagnosed with celiac disease. I have celiac disease and I suspect that celiac disease contributed to my dad’s death two years ago. That’s why I’m doing this.
Thank you, Bette, for jump-starting my gluten-free journey in more ways than you’ll ever know.
Namaste,
Melissa
