The Good Things: Happy Father's Day!

The purpose of this blog is to inform you, (someone curious about autoimmune diseases) about my autoimmune diseases. But I want to tell you a little bit more about myself. The things that people who don't know how sick I am, know. The Good Things.

Being sick is a big part of my life but it is not my whole story. 

Yes; having chronic conditions has made me sick. It controls how I eat and somethings that I do on an everyday basis. But it has unintentionally brought me good things, lasting memories, funny stories, and has helped me to realize what I want to be when I am older.

When you are sick a lot and have a difficult time eating out; you get to notice things that you otherwise wouldn't. 

I am constantly put into situations that I think most kids my age are not. Worrying about who touched my food, being absent, and needing extra help can really open your eyes.

I truly appreciate it when I am at a party and there is food for me. When a friend sends me homework and I don't have to ask. When a waiter is polite and reassures me of the safety of my food. The way that people react when I tell them that I am sick or exactly how sick I am.

In my opinion, putting yourself in someone else's shoes is a great way to live life. I think that it is one of the most valuable lessons someone can learn. You can never truly know or understand what someone is going through, so why would you make it harder?

If someone is rude to you, randomly, it usually has nothing to do with you. 

They are having a hard time, a bad day, they have a problem.

I have become very observant when it comes to the way people act especially when I have to give them a hard time about my food.

The way people act when you have to ask them to change their gloves, and the faces you get when people aren't interested in your severe "food allergy".

It always amazes me because do they think that I like being allergic to one of the most popular ingredients in America?!

My dad is one of the kindest people I know. He is one of my biggest Gluten-Free advocates, and he has taught me how to deal with these people.

Every time I eat out, my dad asks the people over and over again to change their gloves, reminds them several times how important it is for the area to be free of cross-contamination, and is willing to speak with any manager.

I used to get so embarrassed when he would point out that someone had not changed their gloves or when he reminded someone that it is for a severe allergy. Especially when the workers are my age. But am I very grateful for my dad's overprotectiveness and cautiousness when we eat out. Though it can be embarrassing I notice myself doing the things that he does, reminding waiters why, and having them reassure me that my food is safe.

I can without a doubt guarantee that my dad has reduced the number of flare-ups I have had.

During quarantine especially my dad does almost all of the grocery shopping.

He is always on the lookout for the brands I like and the gluten-free products that I can not live without.

My dad is always there for my sisters and I. He has taught me how to stand up for myself.., in life.., which includes Invisible Illness advocacy. 

I am so grateful for the things that he has done for me and continues to do for me every day.

This is a shoutout to my dad!
Happy Father's Day, I love you, thank you for making me the person that I am, and for teaching me all that you have.

Love Kyla