Applaud the Allergic!

My oldest daughter, Bean, was diagnosed with an egg allergy, and severe peanut allergy at 18 months.  That was the start of our journey of allergy doctors, carrying Epipens, and reading labels TWICE.  I worry about her at school, at friend’s homes, anywhere out of my site.  Not knowing any better, this became our norm.  Since she was so young when she was diagnosed and because she was our only child, we didn’t know any better.  We just played the cards we were dealt, and have managed to just deal with it.

In comparison, my younger daughter, Bubbles, is mildly lactose intolerant, but does not have any food allergies.  I have come to realize that having a child with and having a child without food allergies is such a world of difference!  It’s easy.  No label reading, no carrying an Epipen, no allergy doctors, and no worry.

Having a food allergy is not simple or easy or no big deal.  It is a huge deal.  It is terrifying to live with, and it’s a lot or work keeping the allergic person safe.  It may just become second nature to those who deal with it on a daily basis, but you are true Allergy Warriors and I applaud you!