The Common Thread

One of the best job titles on the planet is “Mom.”  It is such a treat to evolve in my role from watchdog, scold and protector to a normal person as the kids grow up.  I am still Mom, but as the kids grow up they are becoming the most fascinating people and I want to spend more time with them at the same time they are seeking their independence.

 

Watching my son grow taller than me and go from boy to young man has been a different experience than my daughters…what an insight into men!  I think about the old adage, “We’ll always have baseball” as that common thread holding fathers and sons together during those awkward years.

In my case the saying would be, “We’ll always have gluten-free food.”  Last Friday was a perfect example.  My husband and I took advantage of the school vacation and surprisingly warm weather and took the kids into New York City for a day of exploration on and around the neighborhoods of the High Line Park.  We hopped off the High Line so three of them could get donuts from The Donut Plant at the Chelsea Hotel.

I don’t need to tell anyone reading this blog what a bummer it is to watch other people eating and enjoying sugary confections that are off limits due to celiac disease.

I took us back to the High Line and then hopped off again at Chelsea Market where my son could get gluten-free banana and Nutella crepe at Bar Suzette.  I had a crepe as well…ham and Swiss…and everyone wanted a taste of both crepes!

We ended up splitting up in Greenwich Village for lunch, celiacs to Risoteria and non-celiacs to John’s Pizza.  Seating five during a crowded lunch hour is tough in small restaurants so it was just as well.  My son and I were able to chat and people watch, which is something you don’t get to do every day with a thirteen year old.

I have a feeling it won’t be the last time he goes for a gluten-free lunch with his mom…I purchased a bunch of gluten-free desserts and ciabatta bread for later.  I know he appreciates it when I bake things or go out of my way to be sure he has the gluten-free version of whatever the other kids have to eat.  Our common thread will continue as long as gluten-free food is the ticket to good health with celiac disease.  Even if there is a cure someday, I hope he will still have lunch with his mom!

 Kendall Egan