Dear mom,

When I was young, I expected a diabetes diagnosis. Bubbe had it, you had it… it seemed only a matter of time before I’d be sticking needles in my tush too. To your credit, I was a-ok with this self-predicted future. Your health, fullness of life and energy levels were well above average – you worked and played harder than any of the moms I knew. Among all the possible illnesses out there, I thought, diabetes would be doable.

I know better now. I no longer anticipate a diagnosis nor think about where I’d position an insulin pump when I dress up. I know that living with diabetes is not as painless as you make it seem.

People ask me how I got into food and if I’ve always eaten so healthily. I think I inherited my health awareness by watching you manage yours. Not everyone has the opportunity to see how powerful a half cup of juice can be on a person’s ability to function. The active role you took in your health rubbed off on me…  growing up, food in our house food was, literally, medicine.

10 things children of diabetics learn early:

1. Candy or juice? They’re pretty much the same.
2. Always always always carry snacks
3. Needles aren’t scary
4. Vitamin-e oil is good for scars
5. White and brown food is almost always mostly sugar
   

   SUGAR!

6. Make a fuss at bars and restaurants – it’s worth it

When you want a low-sugar margarita, don’t trust the bartender: order a shot of tequila, a shot of fresh lime juice, a shot of fresh orange juice and soda water to make a perfect drink

7. Health is everything

It feels strange to celebrate this 50-years-with-diabetes thing. I know it’s a big deal to live for 50 healthy years with diabetes, but I never considered an alternative for you.

I’m honored to celebrate your sweet life by supporting ‪‎UAB Comprehensive Diabetes Center‘s search for a cure.  We’ll party hard when I get home, but for now let’s drink some kale to your health!

xo,

Shaina

L’chaim – here’s to finding a CURE in your lifetime!

Kale Coconut Smoothies

Serves 2

• 1/4 c unsweetened soy milk
• 1/4 c light coconut milk
• 1 tbs almond butter
• 1 frozen banana, chopped
• 1/4 c frozen mango (or pineapple, orange or other citrusy fruit)
• 5 – 7 leaves of fresh dinosaur kale, trimmed
• dash of vanilla
• dash of salt

Place all ingredients into food processor in order listed (always put liquid in first to give the blades some room to work their magic). Blend until smooth. Add ice if you desire a thicker consistency.

Kale harvest at the farm