At 5:30 I threw my hands up in the air and decided to head to the gym. Today was one of those days where I seemed to be working really hard yet nothing seemed to be getting done. After numerous interruptions and multiple hours of filling out insurance forms, I had been fighting with my scanner software for over an hour. I was up to my eyeballs in frustration when I headed out the door.
The workout took the edge off, but I didn’t find true happiness until I ran into a couple I met 17 years ago via my sons kindergarten class out in the parking lot on the way back to my car. We exchanged stories about our kids and chatted about this website. As I strolled back to the car, I smiled at the thought of how many great people I got to know along the way as a result of our family’s food allergy journey.
Without food allergies, I don’t know if it would have crossed my mind to volunteer as much as I did. I’ve always been a busy person and before giving birth I had some big plans in place for the day the last one headed off to kindergarten. But as food allergies would have it, I decided to get involved and venture down the volunteer path. I met lots of terrific moms, dads, teachers, students, school administrators, athletes, grandparents, janitors, musicians, soccer coaches, referees, basketball coaches, politicians, neighbors, friends of friends, good doctors, not so good doctors, nurses, restauranteers, volunteers, grocery store managers, pharmacy technicians and of course more kids. Food allergies incented me to get involved in my community and to know who my sons were with at many stages along the way. And I wouldn’t want to trade in those experiences and friendships.
When I sat through each of my sons’ graduations, my heart was happy because I knew so many of the kids in their respective classes of 250+ students. From computer lab mom, to soccer coach, to basketball score keeper, to rock and roll band driver, I had the opportunity to meet the people influencing the lives of my children. And for that, I am grateful. Thank you food allergies!
Ann
Archive for the ‘Relationships’ Category
Today, Food Allergies Made My Day!
Monday, April 27th, 2009Love is a Food Allergy Friendly Dad
Wednesday, April 8th, 2009Love is a food allergy friendly dad.
He is a man who learns to cook because his sons love to eat.
He is a man who frequents the grocery store in search of new allergy friendly foods.
He is a man who encourages a kitchen remodel because he realizes the benefits of double ovens.
He is a man who watches Sunday football while he prepares the weekly feast.
He is a man who learns to drink his coffee black so his toddler won’t accidentally get into the milk.
He is a man who remembers to order the Divvies chocolates before every holiday.
He is a man who shops for food allergy friendly marshmallow chicks to put in the Easter baskets.
He is a man who uses several vacation days to help clean the first college apartment.
He is a man who surfs the internet in search of food allergy friendly restaurants.
He is a man who reads the food allergy newsletter before opening the sports page.
He is a man who watches cooking shows for new food allergy friendly ideas.
He is a man who owns a recipe box.
He is a man who’s not afraid to learn from his mother in-law who happens to be a great cook.
Yes, he played football in college.
Yes, he’s had concussions and broken bones.
Yes, he plays rough and might be a party to some of those stitches.
Yes, he coached his sons’ basketball teams.
Yes, he used to spend his weekends perfecting his golf swing.
Yes, he would stand in front of a moving train to save his children.
Yes, he realizes that life is not just about him.
No, you should not cross him regarding his family.
Love is a food allergy friendly dad.
From my heart, Ann
YEAH for Grandparents!
Sunday, October 26th, 2008I really like people. Most people are interesting to talk to and I usually learn something when I talk to strangers. Saturday, when I was waiting in line at CVS for my flu shot, I met a wonderful grandmother. In only a few minutes, we discovered that we grew up in the same town. Shortly thereafter, we realized that my mom had worked with her husband at one of the local banks. Somehow, we moved to talking about our mutual love for travel For me, it doesn’t take very long before the topic turns to children and food allergies. Sound familiar? It’s only natural, since I adore my boys, and food allergies have played a steady role in our daily routine for over two decades.
It was interesting to learn that this friendly grandmom has twin grandsons, and their twelve year old friend has food allergies. It was easy to quickly gain respect and admiration for her, when she talked about taking her grandsons and their friend out to eat in restaurants. She confidently accepts the handoff of the epi-pen from the boy’s mom, and off they go. People like this make the world a better place.
While we’re on the topic of grandparents, it was joyously overwhelming to see the number of grandparents at the food allergy fundraising walk back in September. Of the thousands of families that attended, it seemed that more than half were accompanied by the grandparents. And the ones I spoke with seemed actively involved in the grandchild’s food allergies. They had recipes and routines to keep the grandchildren happy and safe.
And let’s not forget my mom. For the last 22 years, she’s adjusted some of her kitchen routines to make it a safe haven for food allergen free meals. For many a holiday celebration, she’s cooked two meals, or one huge meal that was food allergen free for the entire family. And for almost a decade, she fed us once a week to free us from our own kitchen. Remember, it was only recently, that some restaurants decided to attempt to safely serve individuals with food allergies. To this day, our boys still look forward to Nana’s homemade apple pie. And yes, she makes the crust from scratch! Thanks Nana.
Love, Ann
