What Sharla’s Saying…

Dear Colleen,

I have been a vegetarian for 7 years, which seems like my entire life now. I became a vegetarian after I worked as an intern for a major poultry company and was forced to take a tour of the “kill factory”…and yes, that’s what they call it there. Needless to say, it was awful, and I became a vegetarian immediately. It was difficult at first, once the idea of being “grossed out” wore off…and it was an on and off game for years after. For the last couple of on and off years that passed by, holidays were a major exception. It was a special occasion after all…looking back I shake my head…and I remember the first Easter that passed that I said no to the ham. That Thanksgiving came and went and no turkey in my belly, and Christmas was over, the year was over and I had ingested no meat. It was not a new years resolution…it was a new life revelation! I spent years after justifying the consumption of dairy and eggs until last year when I found you. My best friend (who eats meat) gave me The Joy of Vegan Baking for a gift, and the rest was history. I have caught the contagious, life-changing message and now my life is different. Once a quiet vegetarian who doesn’t mind what others eat, now a concerned and compassionate advocate who is here to help. Before an angry and limited veggie who didn’t know the answers to most questions, now I am full of responses, ideas, and resources.

Last month, I posted your link about The 30-Day Vegan Challenge release…my brother and sister-in-law responded jokingly that maybe they would try vegetarian for August…and they actually DID! They are doing wonderfully, and even say that they can’t really see going back to eating meat. Even the kids are loving the black bean burgers and taco salads. Their openness is more than admirable to me, and I smile when I think of them. This year, my mother purchased me a membership to Compassionate Cooks, and has begun to open her mind (slowly).

Today I have created 3 podcast CD’s entitled “I love you #1, #2, and #3” for her. She eats meat…she eats what her mother ate, who ate what her mother ate, who ate what her mother ate. She is my very best friend, my biggest fan, and the most compassionate person I know. I want nothing more than for her to feel the awakening that I have found through becoming a “joyful vegan.” Had I not found Food for Thought, I would not have had the knowledge, courage, or heart to do this, and for that I thank you. You have changed the lives of my family, and you will always be in my heart.

Sincerely,

Sharla