I live in fear of someone hurting my child. I’ve seen this someone hurt my child right before my eyes. It doesn’t matter where we are, we are constantly followed. It’s unnerving. Once we were threatened at a park. I swooped her up and ran for our car. As I drove away, tears streamed down my face that my child couldn’t even play safely at one of our favorite parks. Another time we were in danger at the zoo and again I escorted her quickly away as I tried to stay calm. Let’s go see the penguins, I encouraged with a smile as we fled away from the danger by the gorilla exhibit. On a different day she was in danger at church, the next day at the grocery store, the next at the library. So day-to-day I’m on the lookout. I’m a lifeguard who can never let her guard down but although it feels like I’m on the lookout for someone I’m really on the lookout for something.
I’m on duty 24/7 because my precious daughter has life-threatening allergies to peanuts and tree nuts. She’s proven to be sensitive to those who eat peanuts or tree nuts around her. I often think of her trip in an ambulance to the ER and thank heaven that my child survived. Believe me, if I could have stopped what was happening or traded places with her, I would have in a heartbeat. Now I am constantly on the lookout.
picture of my daughter MG just one hour before she went into anaphylactic shock from a tiny bite of a peanut butter sandwich
So when I dramatically flee from an unsafe area with my daughter, I don’t always have time to give you a polite explanation why. I don’t have time to stand there and chat it over. While you are wondering what in the world is wrong with eating a peanut butter sandwich or trail mix, I’m having a flashback of the day peanuts almost killed my child after one tiny bite of a similar sandwich. I know many think I overreact, but it is up to me to keep my daughter safe. It’s my life’s goal and I work hard at it. I fervently hope that she never goes into Anaphylactic Shock again. Some say it’s inevitable and I say they are wrong. I will do everything in my power to try and avoid that nightmarish experience.
We have been able to create one safe haven where we can relax our fears—our home. I’m not suggesting that the world stop eating peanuts and tree nuts. If I didn’t live with this issue I’d still be eating them (just not around those who are allergic). I simply pray for a cure and hope for a little more understanding from perplexed friends and strangers. Yes, I was that stranger who inquired what you were eating at the park yesterday.
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To read more about what it’s like to have a child with life-threatening allergies you can find Lisita’s blog at www.allergylog.blogspot.com. Questions welcomed.
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To read more about what it’s like to have a child with life-threatening allergies you can find Lisita’s blog at www.allergylog.blogspot.com. Questions welcomed.
Picture of MG at the age she was when she went into Anaphylactic Shock at 20 months old, she is currently 4 ½ years old.
editor's note: I have a family member with life-threatening allergies (also to peanuts). Although we still eat peanuts and tree nuts at home, I really try to avoid taking trail mix and pb sandwiches to public places, and when my child gets to bring treats to class, I try to remember to make it as allergy-friendly as possible... because there is always that one child, or two children who don't get to have the class treat. Imagine being that child and living in fear of something you don't quite understand... I think we all could be a little more understanding. Thanks Lisita!
