Re: interested in your input -

[Guest guest]

Hi - My advice would be to let your 15 year old make this decision. That being with family / family reunions are important tools to knowing about yourself, to feel loved, apart of a family, see who you share characteristics with, and perhaps a dose of family reality (not always so pleasant.) Who knows when this opportunity will come again. She is only 15 once. So I would give her the choice with all my support. I'd offer that we pack meals (Thai kitchen boxes, Thai Soup Bowls, snacks, penut butter, utensils, bowls, disposable mats to work on, microwavable rice, Indian Currys, breakfast, hot chocolate, everything including a clean small hot pot to bowl water with, and the restaurant guide.) She can always eat plain salad and have a soda. The goal is to be there and get to know this side of her family, build memories. Help her figure it out, roll play it. It may evan be easier in a hotel where bringing in stuff in is not as offending to the hostess and cross contamination may be easier to avoid because she will be using her own stuff..

If she decides she wants to go, I would send a note saying how wonderful it is that they are having a reunion, how much your daughter is looking forward to it, and seeing them. I would remind them that she has been diagnosed with this disease. That you have included information (as clearly from a main stream/medical source as possible as to the treatment of celiac) as to her medical needs. That at 15 she can handle most of it but would benefit from their support. I know you (Grandma, Aunt so & so) will advocate and help (daughter's name). I would send this to every one over 13 because all she needs is one person to be there for her. This may or may not be a great idea depending on the family. You do know best..

They are not ready to look at their risks so where she got the gene is unimportant at this time. It may only feel like something to feel guilty over rather than an expressed concern for their health. I hope this is helpful - In Peace Beth in Syracuse