Turkey Soup for the Soul

[00:00:03] [SPEAKER_00]: I'm Effie Parks. Welcome to Once Upon A Gene, a podcast. This is a place I created for us to connect and share the stories of our not so typical lives.

[00:00:14] [SPEAKER_00]: Raising kids who are born with rare genetics and drones and other types of disabilities can feel pretty isolating.

[00:00:21] [SPEAKER_00]: What I know for sure is that when we can hear the triumphs and challenges from others who get it, we can find a lot more laughter, a lot more hope and feel a lot less alone.

[00:00:31] [SPEAKER_00]: I believe there are some magical healing powers that can happen for all of us through sharing our stories and I'll take all the help I can get.

[00:00:43] [SPEAKER_01]: Once Upon A Gene is proud to be part of Bloodstream Media, living in a family affected by rare and chronic illness can be isolating.

[00:00:51] [SPEAKER_01]: And sometimes the best medicine is connecting to the voices of people who share your experience.

[00:00:56] [SPEAKER_01]: This is why Bloodstream Media produces podcast blogs and other forms of content for patients, families and clinicians impacted by rare and chronic diseases.

[00:01:06] [SPEAKER_01]: Visit Bloodstream Media.com to learn more.

[00:01:26] [SPEAKER_00]: For what we have and for appreciating the small joys and victories in life.

[00:01:31] [SPEAKER_00]: But I know for many of us in the rare disease community it can be a bittersweet day.

[00:01:35] [SPEAKER_00]: Some of us are navigating the complexities of raising children with rare diseases and others are facing this day with a heavy heart and missing a precious soul.

[00:01:46] [SPEAKER_00]: Today I want to acknowledge that journey, the highs and the lows.

[00:01:50] [SPEAKER_00]: I see you, I feel you and I know the strength it takes to put a smile on your face and to keep pushing forward every single day.

[00:01:59] [SPEAKER_00]: It's okay to have mixed feelings today.

[00:02:02] [SPEAKER_00]: It's okay to feel thankful and heartbroken at the same time.

[00:02:07] [SPEAKER_00]: But amidst these challenges there is also so much hope.

[00:02:11] [SPEAKER_00]: The world of rare diseases is witnessing incredible advancements.

[00:02:15] [SPEAKER_00]: Nutreatments are being developed, research is gaining momentum and our voices are being heard louder than ever.

[00:02:23] [SPEAKER_00]: This progress is a testament to the power of our community, of our advocacy, of our storytelling.

[00:02:31] [SPEAKER_00]: Each of us has a unique story, a narrative that holds power, resilience, and an undeniable spirit.

[00:02:38] [SPEAKER_00]: When we share our stories, we find our people.

[00:02:41] [SPEAKER_00]: Those who understand our struggles and celebrate our victories, no matter how small they are.

[00:02:48] [SPEAKER_00]: Now let's talk turkey, shall we?

[00:02:52] [SPEAKER_00]: Or more specifically, let's talk about its loyal sidekick.

[00:02:56] [SPEAKER_00]: Gravy.

[00:02:58] [SPEAKER_00]: You know, gravy.

[00:03:00] [SPEAKER_00]: The absolute unsung hero of Thanksgiving.

[00:03:04] [SPEAKER_00]: It's sophisticated and versatile, and let's be honest.

[00:03:11] [SPEAKER_00]: It can make even the driest turkey that your brother burns taste like a gourmet meal.

[00:03:16] [SPEAKER_00]: Think about it.

[00:03:17] [SPEAKER_00]: Gravy is like the liquid equivalent of a superhero cape for your Thanksgiving dinner.

[00:03:22] [SPEAKER_00]: It's the Batman of Sausages, Unassuming, and Powerful.

[00:03:25] [SPEAKER_00]: If gravy was a person, it'd be the one who walks into a room and silently fixes everything.

[00:03:33] [SPEAKER_00]: A lot like many of you.

[00:03:35] [SPEAKER_00]: burnt the potatoes, gravy.

[00:03:37] [SPEAKER_00]: forgot to season the vegetables, gravy, awkward family conversations, drink the gravy.

[00:03:43] [SPEAKER_00]: And that's just like us in the rare disease community.

[00:03:47] [SPEAKER_00]: We might not have capes, but we have something even better.

[00:03:50] [SPEAKER_00]: We have the power to make things better, and to turn challenges into opportunities.

[00:03:57] [SPEAKER_00]: If we can bring together such an incredible sauce against all culinary odds,

[00:04:01] [SPEAKER_00]: imagine what we can continue to do if we can buy in our efforts for rare diseases.

[00:04:07] [SPEAKER_00]: So this Thanksgiving, as you pour that golden delicious gravy, remember.

[00:04:15] [SPEAKER_00]: It's a symbol of our ability to transform, to adapt, and to add flavor to life.

[00:04:20] [SPEAKER_00]: Even when things get tough.

[00:04:23] [SPEAKER_00]: This Thanksgiving lets hold on to that.

[00:04:26] [SPEAKER_00]: Let's be grateful for each other, and for the community that we've built,

[00:04:30] [SPEAKER_00]: and for the love that keeps us all going.

[00:04:33] [SPEAKER_00]: Let's cherish the memories, embrace the present, and look forward to a future filled with more victories.

[00:04:40] [SPEAKER_00]: Big and small.

[00:04:44] [SPEAKER_00]: And to those of you who find today particularly tough, know that your feelings are valid,

[00:04:49] [SPEAKER_00]: you're not alone.

[00:04:51] [SPEAKER_00]: We're in this together, every step of the way.

[00:04:55] [SPEAKER_00]: Thank you for being a part of this journey with me.

[00:04:57] [SPEAKER_00]: Thank you for your courage, your stories, and your spirit.

[00:05:02] [SPEAKER_00]: Happy Thanksgiving, everyone, and may you find moments of joy, lots of glimmers,

[00:05:08] [SPEAKER_00]: and a reason to smile today.

[00:05:11] [SPEAKER_00]: And until next week, please keep sharing your stories, and keep looking for your people.

[00:05:19] [SPEAKER_00]: This is Effie Parks, and I'm signing off.

[00:05:22] [SPEAKER_00]: Take care, and keep believing in magic, and hope for our rare disease community.

[00:05:27] [SPEAKER_00]: I hope you've been enjoying this podcast.

[00:05:30] [SPEAKER_00]: If you like what you hear, please share this show with your people,

[00:05:34] [SPEAKER_00]: and please make sure to rate and review on iTunes or wherever you get your podcasts.

[00:05:39] [SPEAKER_00]: You can also head over to Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter to connect with me and stay updated on the show.

[00:05:45] [SPEAKER_00]: If you're interested in sharing your story, or if you have anything you would like to contribute,

[00:05:50] [SPEAKER_00]: please submit it to my website at feparks.com.

[00:05:54] [SPEAKER_00]: Thank you so much for listening to the show, and for supporting me along the way.

[00:05:58] [SPEAKER_00]: I appreciate you all so much.

[00:05:59] [SPEAKER_00]: I don't know what kind of day you're having, but if you need a little pick me up,

[00:06:03] [SPEAKER_00]: Ford's got you.