Well, Halloween is my least favorite holiday of the year and one I typically do not like to dwell on. Couple that with the fact that eating G-free is not hard on this holiday, I often choose to forget about it. Instead I have decided to move on to the idea surrounding the wonderful holiday in November, Thanksgiving. In my family we always have a huge meal and as we sit around the table stuffing ourselves until we can barely move, we share something we are thankful for that year.
It is easy when we are kids to not realize how many people help take care of you and make your life easier. I am now realizing the importance of these people, so here is one of my many thank you’s:
For my mom:
Mommy, I miss you. But you know that. Mostly I want to tell you how thankful I am for all you have done for me and how much you still do. When I was younger and all I wanted to do was grow up and be on my own; now that I am here, I want to go back to my youth. It makes me laugh when I think how often you told me to enjoy being a kid because too soon I would have to be a grown up and pay bills and how that was no fun. I never believed you then, but it is time to swallow my pride and admit you were right. Go ahead, you can laugh and do your happy dance now.
Cooking every night is no fun either. I should have known that too right? Actually I honestly like being in the kitchen, but having to cook a full meal after being at work or school all day with a mountain size pile of homework never sounds like a good idea. Eggs have become my specialty. I think back on how you would work all day, then come home and help all four of us with homework, clean the house and then cook a full-on meal before cleaning it all up. Thank you for that. I am only now beginning to understand why you were so tired every night.
You were always my first supporter when I found out about my Celiac. Talk about a life changing experience for the both of us. But you embraced it with me wholeheartedly. I remember our first Christmas when we tried SO MANY gluten-free cookie recipes, not that any of them were good, but you took the time with me to try. Thank you. The many times that you held me while I cried about how miserable I was because I was convinced I could not eat anything. Again, thank you. When I am frustrated with my own children down the line, remind me of the hell I put you through.
And most importantly, thank you for always striving to be better. You have shown me that it doesn’t matter how old you are or how busy your life may be, you are never to old to follow your dream. I am so proud of you for going back to school. You have shown me what it means to have dedication, trust in God and an immense love for your family. You are my biggest role model.
I love you more than anything. Thank you for always being there for me when I needed you. Even when I call you at 10:30 at night bawling my eyes out because I am convinced I will never be able to manage all of my homework, work and living on my own. Thanks for convincing me I can 🙂
I love you.
Thank someone you love today. They are infinitely more important than you may realize.
Stay Strong ❤
Gorgeous and Gluten-Free 