03/08/2022
Wanted to share this from another group
Think about what happens when someone suddenly loses someone they love. A spouse, a pet, a sibling.
We ask them about it. We listen to their story. We hold space.
We look them in the eye through their tears. We validate their pain.
Maybe we bring food. We visit the funeral home. We send a card. We call to check in.
The point is that we acknowledge their pain. Their loss.
Living with food allergies is a different kind of loss.
It'a a loss of spontaneity.
Of security.
Some would say it's a loss of "normalcy"
There is no grabbing that cookie off the buffet table.
There is no snack at soccer.
There is no piece of regular birthday cake.
And that's just the beginning.
Sure, there are ingredient labels.
Checking with companies, camps, coaches, schools.
Restaurants, relatives, friends.
But there is also that voice in the back of our heads that knows that even with ALL OF THIS, a mistake can still happen.
So HERE on this page, in this community, we will validate the extra burden that we all carry.
Yes, things could be worse.
And there are times when we focus on gratitude.
We CAN do this.
There is medicine that can treat most allergic reactions.
But...(and this is a big one),
let's not minimize and pretend that the struggle is not real.
Because let's be honest.
Some days we're tired.
And some days our kids are tired.
Tired of being scared.
Tired of being excluded.
Tired of being different.
Tired of reading labels...
ALL OF IT!
Here you are seen. You are heard. We KNOW.
Somedays it's almost too much.
Other days, we know, we've got this.
Either way, you're welcome here!
You are not alone! ❤ Gina
