It Takes a Village 

How many mothers do you have? In my life, I’m lucky to have too many to count. If it takes a village to raise a child, my village is blessed to be populated with “Other Mothers” that support my gluten free child and my family.

Who are Other Mothers? They’re those women that collectively feed us and our children emotionally and sometimes literally with their love and support. They may be biologically related but most are not. They may have their own children – or not – but they are the life force that keeps us going.

Please join me in taking a minute to acknowledge all the women who are our Other Mothers. They most likely have no idea how much their efforts mean to us. So, to all those women that support us in so many ways every day, thank you!

Other Mothers Roll Call 

Today, and every day, I honor:

🌸Aunts that make their homes a safe haven where my family has options and feel safe and loved. Open up their cupboard and you’ll find a stock pile of safe food.

🌸Businesses Owners who work hard to give us safe products. Who make pizza to bring to parties and make life sweeter with their cakes and cupcakes that create birthday memories. And (this is so, so important): create breaks for tired Moms looking for a night off from cooking.

🌸Teachers who are sensitive to children’s need to feel included. From the emails to notify of food in the classroom to asking questions about safe practices, they work hard to keep every child supported.

🌸My Friends who bolster me with unending love. Who think of me  – and my gluten free diet – when picking a place to eat. Who don’t walk in my shoes but understand as if they do. Your love and support gives me the strength when things get tough.

🌸Moms of my Child’s Friends who go out of their way to buy safe food for my child and never miss an opportunity to include her in activities. Who care enough to educate yourself about cross contact and your child about being sensitive to others’ needs.

🌸Celiac/Gluten Free Community Moms who understand more than anyone the challenges and sometimes painful reality of raising kids with dietary restrictions. Who offer words of encouragement, hope and reassurance when they’re often needed.

🌸Doctors and Nurses who dedicate themselves to keeping our kids healthy. And who educate their peers about an often misunderstood and under represented Celiac Disease and Gluten Sensitivity.

🌸Grandmas who spoil with gluten free treats and love. Who learn words they hadn’t heard before like gluten free and cross contact. Who educate their friends and family, often multiple times, to help them understand.

🌸Sisters who protect and look out for their siblings and family. Who patiently wait for their food because gluten free orders take longer, who speak up when their sibling is too shy, who order gluten free food out of solidarity with their sibling, who know their friends will learn all about gluten free food at our house.

🌸Advocates who fight for a better life for our kids and us. When things get tough, these women don’t back down – protecting their gluten free family just like any good mother would do.

To all these women, and more, I thank you and honor you this Mother’s Day.