Ep 132 Celiac Lost
Let’s start the blog with the show notes for this Episode –
On this episode of the podcast I speak a Mother and Son who have collaborated on a book about the impact of a celiac diagnosis on a family. Their book is called “Celiac Lost: A Family Guide to Finding a Gluten-Free Life”. In it they give plenty of tips about organizing meals, arranging a kitchen, shopping and situations with others. This is a book which is a practical resource for anyone newly diagnosed or struggling with the gluten free lifestyle. There’s also plenty here for those of us who have been on the diet for a long time. Shelly and Christopher Shiflett wrote the book they wish they had when Christopher was diagnosed in his early teens. It was Ellen Bayens of theceliacscene.com who put me in touch with the authors. I have included links for Ellen’s article, as well as the book website. The Facebook and Instagram pages are at celiaclost.
https://theceliacscene.com/celiac-lost-family-guide-gluten-free-life/
Sue’s Websites and Social Media –
Podcast https://acanadianceliacpodcast.libsyn.com
Podcast Blog – https://www.acanadianceliacblog.com
Facebook – @acanadianceliacpodcast
Twitter – CeliacPodcastCA
Email – acdnceliacpodcast@gmail.com
Baking Website – https://www.suesglutenfreebaking.com
Instagram – @suesgfbaking
YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLUVGfpD4eJwwSc_YjkGagza06yYe3ApzL
Email – sue@suesglutenfreebaking.com
Other Podcast – Gluten Free Weigh In – https://glutenfreeweighin.libsyn.com
My Thoughts –
I’ve spoken about it before, and as a Mom of a celiac daughter, it’s worth repeating – kids will surprise us. When I was speaking with Shelly and Christopher, I saw the familiar dynamic.
Mom is very involved. Among other things she holds a degree in nursing and a Masters in Child Health from Virginia Commonwealth University. She is also certified as a Celiac Patient Advocate through the Celiac Disease Foundation. Shelly put her efforts towards understanding this disease and reaching out to help others.
Christopher learned to cope within his social groups by not being a picky eater, and learning to cook for himself. His interest in cooking was taken on by his friends and has become an activity they share together. He is setting himself up with the skills he feels he’ll need in the future.
In my family, I decided to tackle celiac disease with knowledge and action, just as Shelly did. I became involved in the Canadian Celiac Association, becoming president of our local chapter. I started a gluten free bakery and encouraged both of my daughters to help out when they could. My celiac daughter Deanna, enjoys cooking, but never felt the need to bake. She can bake, but she knows how much I enjoy it, and of course there’s only so much baking that needs to be done for two people.
What I find most similar in these two situations is the younger celiac is actually the more practical one. Us Moms are out to change the world, but Christopher and Deanna are just looking to settle into a comfortable, low-key gluten free lifestyle that works well with their friends and family. I think I get it – our goals are all good, but our motivations are different and uniquely individual and that’s just fine. Shelly is helping others in ways that she is skilled to do. Christopher is living his best life. Just as any parent would want. What more could we ask?