Today, I am in awe and humbled again by someone young and just brilliant! Eight year old Emalee had a scary food allergic reaction and thankfully (insert a huge PHEW here) she received her life saving epinephrine in time. Brilliantly, she decided to process her food allergic event and write about it in her journey and then decided to share her entry so that other kids don’t need to be afraid of their Epi Pens®. Being my anxious self, I loved reading about her experience and most of all, I am grateful for the powerful teaching tool she just gave me as a parent to share with my children and their friends. Thank you Emalee–I hope you read this!
- “Epi Pen’s Are NOT mean”–Emalee
Sharing a journal entry–now that is some serious bravery! Forget having the reaction and all the trauma of the event…sharing your deepest feelings so that others will learn…now that IS brave and honorable! Let’s face it, I can’t name one child I know who is excited to get a shot in their leg at any moment in time, let alone talk about a scary event! I am always proud of young strong girls who are growing up into strong knowing women and I think dear Emalee is on her way!
One of the hardest things I find about managing both life threatening food allergies and asthma is talking to others. I hate to be the one that might be perceived as demanding, pushing or for asking too much. What I now know, fourteen years later, is that honest, clear information presented with kindness works!..
So good to hear emalee being brave, good job!