I spent most of my childhood years alone with my PKU. Fighting it and denieing it. I had no one else to talk to who understood me. I spent most of my time around adults telling me how it should be, what I need to do, what was good and what was bad for me and educating me on my PKU life.

I tuned them out mostly and did what I wanted to do . I ate things I shouldn’t, tried things here and there, cheated, though my formula down the sink and lied about what I was eating.  Putting off blood tests and fighting with my mom over meal planning and menus.

I had no friends with PKU and had never met anyone with PKU. At least that I could remember.

When I started middle school Things really got rocky and more difficult with me, and my levels so out of control. I needed alot more help in school. The darkness that I was living in was dragging me down and making every day life hard. I started to see the school counselors a lot, skipping classes to be there almost every day. I grew connected to one of my school counselors over time and developed a relationship. We stayed in contact long after my middle school years.

Sometime into our sessions, I mentioned my pku, and really learnt how small of a world it was. She new someone with PKU too!! A friends son the same age as me. Who lives in Vancouver and went to the same clinic as I did.

The first time I was admitted to BC Children’s Hospital to be withdrawn from high levels a few calls where made and Oliver and his mom came to meet me.  nearly 14 years ago now. We hit it off and even had a young romance. Dating for a while, and trying to maintain it long distance after I left the hospital.

I learnt a lot from Oliver, our PKU lives where so different and I was so amazed to meet some one else. We kept in contact over the years, even went to appointments together, and tried to visit each other when we could.  Ollie visited me in the hospital both times I was admitted and even took me out on hospital day passes. Ollie showed me around Vancouver, we had a pretty free roam of the city. We road the sky train, walked around down town, Ollie took me to one of the tallest buildings a rotating restaurant to look at the view, ride the sea buss and just all over. We made some good memories.  Eventually we transitioned to the adult clinic together.  Then soon after life took a different path and we went our separate ways, briefly connecting in passing.

However, after the last PKU event in Vancouver we re connected again, and now hes actually here!! Ollie and his fiance have been staying with us for a few days and its been so great having him hear, Reflecting over the good times and the bad times  , old memories, and talking about how our PKU lives have evolved. Sharing recipes, and trying foods. Cooking for each other, talking about changes in PKU treatment and our hopes for the future.  Sharing our excitement for the new food subsidy and how we plan to get back on track.

Its been fun sharing my knowledge with him, and showing him my baking and cooking skills and just daily routine stuff.  The first night they came , I made a big Ham dinner as the wheeler family was here too and the kids. I made mashed potatoes, mushroom caps with dayiah cheese and steamed carrots for Ollie and I.

The second day , I made low protein Blue berry pancakes for breakfast and then we all went to all you can eat sushi , Ollie and I had Vegetable sushi, yam sushi, avocado sushi and cucumber sushi.

I slept late because I had to work and so Ollie made me dinner! Pasta with low protein bread bruchettea that was really good. He made mushrooms, onions and tomatoes and olive oil.

Last night I made my version of a low protein of pasta salad.

Tonight I am thinking of making squash or my version of lower protein scallop potatoes and stir fry. I have also made 2 loafs of bread and a dozen pizza pops this morning.  I am going to see if Ollie and I can make some perogies later to for new years eve party.

I have really enjoyed having them here and am happy to have my friend back , rediscovering our bond and becoming friends again.

So I wanted to share a basic back ground and a post dedicated to Ollie. My first PKU friend. The first person I met in person that started my need to connect with others around the world.  It showed me how it was like to talk to someone on a different level who gets it much more deeper than doctors, deiticans and medical staff.  Having a PKU friend goes such a long way. I am so glad Ollie and I have re connected!