I've got to admit it's getting better all the time.

Just like the Fab Four tell us, things DO get easier. I am happy to report that more than a year after our family suddenly became gluten-free --- it has. And in these unsure times, I want to share five reasons gluten-free eaters should be hopeful.

First off, there is a growing selection of gluten-free products every day. I recently attended a food fair at Hiller's market. I was expecting a few tables of food and some samples. To my surprise, I soon realized the store stocks all its aisles with gluten-free options. Clear labels indicate what is gluten free, so I merely shopped the store and found almost every item on my list -- from cookies to barbecue sauce -- right there among the mainstream brands. It was refreshing to do some "regular" shopping, and my son got to sample all the goodies! I threw some chicken and peppers in the slow cooker with the newly purchased barbecue sauce when I got home. That night, we had bbq chicken sandwiches over top the hoagie buns I also purchased at Hiller's. It was like old times, shopping and being able to pick up dinner just like other people. For more information about Hiller's, click here.

Which leads me to my second sign of hope: Support. People with celiac are banding together. Soon after I started this blog, I got an inspiring letter from a reader in Clarkston who started a cooking group. Unfortunately, the group meets on nights that I am in the office working on the paper, but she keeps me updated and even sends me recipes shared at the latest (monthly) meeting. Interested in joining the group? Send me a message! She's looking for a few more members.

Third sign of better days: Restaurants are now jumping on the band wagon. Many carry gluten-free options or are willing to work with those with celiac. Crust Pizza & Wine Bar, with locations in Bloomfield Township and Rochester Hills, announced recently that it has begun serving gluten-free options. I was happy to read that the restaurants are careful to take steps to reduce the possibility of cross-contamination, including using separate pans and utensils and training its staff.

Fourth up: Awareness and education. CNN anchor Heidi Collins, Keith Obermann and Elizabeth Hasselback of "The View" are just a few celebrities that have the disease and are spreading awareness. Check out the National Foundation for Celiac Awareness here. Just a year ago, people looked at me like I was from Mars when I told them my son has celiac. Today, most people at least know that means he can't digest wheat, which is a good sign.

And finally: Time. The task seemed so very daunting at first. I made list after list, shopped at every store and attempted and failed many recipes trying to remake once beloved meals. Today, I have a whole new repertoire of recipes and standbys. I'm always looking for new options, but after some time, cooking gluten-free is just a normal part of our lives.

So, we all can take a collective sigh of relief and link arms as we move forward in a brave new gluten-free tolerant world. I am proud that in such a short time, I again feel I fit in with other kitchen warriors trying to get dinner on the table.