These days there are more and more kids with nut allergies. Schools, restaurant, sporting events, etc., are starting to take precautions and cater to these allergies. I once was annoyed by this…that is until I became the mom of a child with a peanut allergy. Then, I became psychotic. I bought every book on the subject and I threw out all the food we had in the house. I annoyed friends, family members and strangers. And to this day, I probably still annoy these people.
This allergy is part of our everyday life. Not a day goes by where I am not concerned about my daughter. The fact that she is non-verbal makes it even more difficult. If she comes in contact with peanuts, she cannot tell me if her throat is itchy or closing up. Do I care that I am psycho and drive people nuts?
NOT AT ALL
The day I saw my daughter have an allergic reaction is the day I stopped caring what others thought. Speeding to the emergency room, running red lights, praying I would make it in time, and watching her squirm in the backseat is an experience that I never want to relive. Having an epi-pen or getting to the hospital in time could be the difference between life and death when it comes to a severe allergy.
Yes, I am that crazy peanut allergy mom…but put yourself in my shoes. It’s a daily struggle… scanning the room for peanuts, checking the ingredients for birthday cakes, researching the restaurants we go to, and digging through the Halloween bag to remove anything that could spark a reaction. I see the eye rolls and hear the complaints about school parties and the different lunch tables. Trust me, I wish this wasn’t something we had to deal with. However, the whispers pale in comparison to the alternative.
So, I will continue to be the crazy peanut allergy mom because I owe it to my daughter and she is not worth taking risks.
If you want to find out more about food allergies check out this link: www.foodallergy.org
I’m a 42 year old that has had a severe nut allergy since I was18-months old. No one back then had this allergy! My mom was that crazy mom over 40 years ago advocating for me! Continue to be that voice for your child no matter who thinks you’re crazy!
Hello! I found your blog googling allergy friendly in Cincinnati as we plan to visit the creation museum Christmas display and stay in the are for the day. I have a newly verbal 3 year old….it is so intense not being able to communicate about my daughter’s allergies with her. I’m that mom too!