Sometimes it is hard and I let those outside of our little world effect me in a negative way. Comments from others that do not understand can sometimes be very hurtful not so much if they are coming from a truly concerned question or comment. More so if those comments feel judgmental or almost like they are making fun at me (and my carefulness).
In my opinion God gave me these wonderful beautiful kids and he expects me to do the best that I can to care for them. I feel doing my best to care for them sometimes puts me out there to be judged. I have been thinking and praying about this the last few hours and have realized that it doesn't matter what others think or say to me. Ultimately we all have to answer to God for what we do. I know without a shadow of a doubt that I am doing the very best that I can. That is truly all that I can do. Having hurt feelings does nothing to improve my or my families life so there for I must trust God and let those go.
I am so thankful for the Internet I truly believe that I have learned 90% of what I know about food allergies there. The other 10% mostly from the allergist but also from others experiences that I have spoken with. (or as we like to say been there done that I so love those that know where I am comming from ~and those who truely try to understand )
My kids lives safety and health is so worth not having anything that was made in a factory with eggs, peanuts or tree nuts or anything with these things or soy in it out of our home(and the extra time it takes to grocery shop to find only safe foods). I 100% believe that our home should be a safe haven for our children and that they should not have to worry about eating anything in it. Sadly enough that is not the case for anywhere else we are. As my kids grow and become older we will teach them to take their safety in their own hands but until then it is a burden that I will carry.
I so appreciate all the support and genuine concern I get form those around me. I know that most people truely do care about the health and safety of my kids. Thank so much you know who you are and there are a lot of you :)
I think this is beautifully written from a child with food allergies point of view. It brought me to tears several times as I put myself in my children's shoes.
10 Things Every Child with Food Allergies Wishes You Knew!
By Gina Clowes
1. I long to be included. I would like to look, act and eat like everyone else. I'd like to buy my lunch and sit wherever I want. I know I can't,but I am so happy inside when someone cares enough to provide a safe potato chip, cookie or Popsicle for me. It's nice when I can have something similar to what others are eating but I love it when I can eat the same thing as everyone else. Whenever it's possible, please think to include me!
2. I'm scared I could die from my food allergies. I've heard my parent sand teachers mention "life-threatening" food allergies and I remember having some reactions where I felt very sick and really scared. I could see how frightened my parents were too. Sometimes, I could use a little reassurance that I will be okay.
3. I feel like I'm the only one sometimes. If you have a support group or another way to arrange for me to meet other children who have food allergies, I would really like to know that I am not the only kid who has food allergies. Having another friend with food allergies in my classroom or at lunch time helps too.
4. I get confused when grown-ups offer me food. I know I'm supposed to be polite and listen to grown-ups, but my parents have told me I am only supposed to take food from them. When you offer me food or especially candy, I'd like to take it but I'm not sure about what I am supposed to do.
5. I get itchy spots sometimes when grown-ups kiss me after they've eaten something I'm allergic to. I get itchy spots when your dog licks me too.I'm not quite brave enough to tell you this so I'm hoping you will remember that if you have just eaten something that I'm allergic to, I may get hives if you kiss me soon afterward.
6. I'm embarrassed when people fuss over what I'm eating. I know I have to eat my own safe food, but it's easier for me when I'm not singled out. Sometimes, it's embarrassing when grown-ups ask lots of questions. I love to fit in more than anything.
7. I hear all adult conversations about my food allergies. My ears perk up when I hear grown-ups mention my name or food allergies, so don't pity me or act terrified because then I get scared. Food allergies are just one part of me. Let me over hear you talk about all the other wonderful things about me!
8.Sometimes I'm sad about having food allergies. It's hard to be the only kid in class not having a cupcake and eating something different from my box of "safe treats" especially when there are about 20 other birthdays in my class. I know it's not the end of the world, but from my perspective,it's tough at times.
9. I'm watching you—Mom and Dad! You may think that I'm too little to notice, but I see that you went back home to get my Epi-Pen® when you forgot it. I see that you read the ingredients on the Smarties every time. You are my role models and I am learning how to manage my food allergies from you!
10. I will do about as well as you do. My parents "can-do" attitude will help me cope with the challenges of living with allergies and ensure that food allergies don't stop me from being everything I was meant to be!
2 comments:
I was at the grocery store yesterday and I thought of you and your family. I picked something up and now I notice what type of plant these foods are made in. Thanks to you if we ever have children with food allergies I will be more prepared! {{hugs}}
This gives me yet another thing for which to be so thankful. I'm sorry it has to be so hard to do something as necessary as provide sustinance for your children. But you seem to have a great attitude about it. I also love your family night pics! We find ourselves spending more and more time together as the children just continue to get older and older. It's such precious time and each moment will only happen RIGHT NOW. They can't wait or be repeated. Even Greg has realized that so much more and is becoming so much more involved. What a HUGE blessing it has been! (Reason enough to hardly blog anymore!) I couldn't be more thankful.
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