1. People will astound you and touch you with their kindness. I’ve gone to birthday parties where the frazzled hosts have made an extra unbidden trip to the only gluten-free bakery in the area for a single cupcake so I wouldn’t be left out when it came time to cut the cake. I’ve gone to Super Bowl parties where I found a prelabeled cup and plate and safe food set aside for me. I’ve fielded calls from friends who invited me to Thanksgiving and revamped a complicated menu to include me. People will astound you and make you feel welcome and happy.
2. People will stun you with their ignorance. Not malice (usually); just ignorance. You would not believe how many people, even (especially?) in the food service industry, will tell you, “This bread doesn’t have any wheat; it’s white bread.” I can only imagine these are the same people who have no conception there are eggs or dairy in baked goods (and everything else), or that yes, nuts are in things beyond peanuts in the shell, or yes, there’s corn and soy in absolutely everything. And just try explaining cross-contamination to someone who’s never spent any time in a kitchen!
3. Food is everywhere. Chasing my daughter around on a playground, at a bench on a city street, when I take my computer somewhere to work, when I meet my husband outside the library on his lunch hour to catch up and listen to some music in the park — food wrappers, food residue, and people eating are everywhere. We as a people are, um, messy. I get a little antsy when I see crumbs and I know I won’t get sick unless I actually touch my hands to my mouth; I can only imagine how a parent of a kid in that mouthy phase feels.
4. Fruit is a godsend. Not everyone can eat all fruit or any fruit, of course — what’s safe for everyone? — but for me it’s the one thing I can count on finding in convenience stores, gas stations, grocery stores in the middle of nowhere, you name it, without having to worry about reading labels or whether a manufacturer has suddenly switched to an unsafe ingredient. And it’s both good and healthful.
5. Advance planning is a must. I have a three-year-old and my food takes more planning than hers do, especially if we’re going to be out all day.

Do you have wisdom to pass along? Share what you’ve learned (or a link to your own bloggy things you’ve learned) in the comments or the Food Allergy Forum!