Why?

I am far from deeply religious and ANYONE who knows me knows this tidbit.  I do, however, believe that everything happens for a reason.  Everyone *happens* in our lives for a purpose.  I often question the purpose of some.  I have met many amazing people since moving to TN.  TN is so different than anywhere else I ever lived.  I grew up in NY and lived in FL for 8 years before moving here.  TN is a mix of Southern Charm and a major step back in time - pre-civil rights.  I swear I still flinch at the things that come out of peoples mouths in public places.

I have met people from ALL walks of life, all religious backgrounds and all races.  Having my own little melting pot, reminds me of home.

Just in the last month, several close friends and several new friends have been or have children who have been diagnosed with Celiac Disease.  Just two short years ago, when I was diagnosed, I had never so much as even heard of it.  A year later, my little girl was diagnosed, still knew NO ONE with the disease - or even a close understanding to what it is and how deadly it can be if not taken seriously.

I had attended a couple of support groups when I first moved here and decided they weren't so supportive... After two years, I formed my own.

As exhausting as all of this is - on top of living with very real, very current health issues, I am so very touched to be able to offer even the slightest bit of insight into what Celiac is and how to live a *normal* life with it.

For a long while now I have been feeling like I had no other purpose other than cooking, cleaning, taxiing, well, you get the picture.  Going back to work in a field completely foreign to what I spent my entire career doing, was unexpectedly rewarding!  This new chapter of educating and lending good ole' fashion moral support to those in need, even though it takes up more time than I have to spare, is by far the most rewarding feat I have accomplished (since giving birth to my children).

I often wonder why I am so drawn to helping others.  My husband always gets frustrated with me about how much I take on - and how I try to be *Mother Theresa* and solve world problems.  I have been thinking about this lately and the only thing I can come up with is that it gives me pure joy.  Knowing I helped someone in some minuscule way, without anything in return.. just makes me happy.

Nothing wrong with being happy!