Potlucks

Mother's day at Elaine's - Part 2

Bowel Society members write about what impressed them most at the potluck at Elaine's house:

...Elaine's house. Stunning, tasteful, gorgeous. Secondly, the wonderful, colourful array of food on that beautiful, large table. And the 'gentility' of attendees. A lovely afternoon. Oh, and that terrific, huge card for Elaine -- with so much thought behind it from Pam.
Thank you, Pam. Thank you, Elaine.
-Jane

Jane and Irene

What impressed me the most was the gourmet quality of the food and that I could eat everything that was being served (and, of course, the good company and the view from Elaine's balcony!).
-Jenny

I was impressed by how when given basic ingredients with restrictions that baffle others, SCDers can create feasts of foods which are new, inventive and delicious beyond words. What a creative bunch! But what impressed me most was Elaine. Based on my all too brief encounter with Elaine these are just a few of the adjectives I feel best describe her: Hospitable, warn, gentle, loving, sensitive, dynamic, strong, energetic and brilliant. She is a story-teller and a great listener. She is all everyone promised and more.
Most fondly,
-Jodi

We met fabulous people who brought fabulous foods to the home of our fabulous 'SCD Mom'. Another wonderful get together!
Karin

Lynn and Karin

Julie

Meeting 'the' Judy, Elaine's daughter. I cornered her and asked her incessant personal questions about her childhood with UC and her experiences with SCD as a child and adult. She so patiently answered every one. Through her, I could picture Julian 20 years from now - completely well, and WITH his colon.
-Suzan and Frank, parents of Julian

Dan and Josh

Sue

At the potluck at Elaine's what impressed me most was: the atmosphere of warmth and comfort in Elaine's home. That atmosphere, combined with the pleasure of spending time with some of the finest people I know, left me feeling that all was right with the world.
-Janice

What impressed me was how SCD potlucks are not like other buffets, where people load up their plates and sit down to a huge meal at the appointed hour. At UCLBS potlucks, we nosh constantly, eating whatever and whenever we want. It's a endless tableau of fabulous food for gourmet grazing. What a treat!
Love,
-Pam W

Tanya, Elaine, Janice and Josh

We were asked to share, in a couple sentences, what we were most impressed with at the Potluck at Elaine's. But every time I try to write them, what I feel, overwhelmingly, is gratitude and honour. I have such gratitude that we were able to gather, bringing with us our respective illnesses, sorrows, fears, pain, and uncertainty; and transform them into something joyous and positive, supportive and comforting. I am grateful that we have found SCD and that it is not only healing us, but has brought together such a special group of people. And I am honoured to be part of that group - people who can still share of themselves, despite their own illnesses - such extraordinary people that the whole can't help but be greater than the sum of it's parts. I have so much to be grateful for.
Much Love,
-t

Tanya, Elaine, Janice and Josh Back Row: Frank, Jodi, Lynn, Sue, t, Jenny, Pam, Karin, Irene.
Middle Row: Suzan, Julian, Josh, Janice, Jane, Elaine, Julie, Meg.
Front: Judy