The Parable of a Man who Trusted

My hubby (the one in our family who is a celiac) went on a 263 KM bike ride last weekend.  It was to raise funds for the BC Cancer Foundation, providing money for research into cures and treatments of cancer.  In all there were 1, 701 riders and over 6 million raised!  I’m so proud.

But anyway, I did have a point in bringing this up, other than to brag on him for a bit.    The food.  It’s just a part of being celiac to have to worry about what to eat, and when, and how and who’s preparing it.  And he had the forethought to check if the caterers were going to provide any gluten free options.  I’m kind of surprised, but even for a crowd of this size (1,701 riders plus hundreds of volunteers), they did not have any available gluten free options.  So Mike and I made pasta the night before the ride, and the caterers stored it and served it.  That, plus the hot cereal mix, trail mix, dried fruit, and GF energy bars,  tied him over well.

However, there is a catch to this feel-good story.  (pun intended)  Another celiac on the trip, advised my Honey that the chicken one night was gluten -free.  She had tried it, and she was fine. Doesn’t that just make you say, “Aha!!”  Yes, my friends, the sad news is that my Honey was contaminated the evening of the first day of riding, with 134 Km to go to this journey.  He had prepared for this eventuality by packing his meds and pain relievers and was able to treat himself quite well.  He successfully completed the second and final leg of the ride.   Have I said how proud I am yet?

That’s my man.  Sigh.

Um.  Where was I?  Oh yes.  When Mike was first diagnosed, he was in agony.  Nothing he took, no matter how long he slept, no matter what he ate, it was constant cramping, and ‘intestinal trouble’ (if you’re a celiac or love a person with celiac, you know what I’m talking about).  The fact, that yesterday, he was able to ride 134km is absolutely amazing. I suspect it has to do with a number of factors:

-  the villae feel better to begin with

-  they can recover more quickly

-  the meds are working, and faster than before

-  adrenaline/ excitement of the ride

-  encouragement/ support of the team

-  overall health – since being able to actually absorb the nutrients he’s eating, he’s been MUCH healthier.  It makes me thankful that I actually get the calcium, iron, vitamins that I eat!!

The end.