This was my Thursday morning crisis(or at least in my own sleepy mind):
4:00a.m. Check emails.
4:03a.m. Read wonderful email from friend stating that she wants to change her son’s birthday sleep over menu to ensure peanut free, tree nut free, dairy free and sesame seed free food.
4:04a.m. Realize that I need to suggest a food allergy safe Popsicle for dessert.
4:04a.m. Acknowledge there is no brain function at this time. So I hit the shower and head to the airport.
5:40a.m. Board plane to Chicago for my first American Lung Association National Meeting. I am simply thrilled!
8:40 a.m. During stop over, Go into complete panic when I can’t recall one single safe Popsicle. Still no brain function.
8:41 a.m. Text my long time food allergy buddy for Popsicle suggestions. We have an unwritten pact to always be the other’s back up on anything food allergy related.
9:05 a.m. Research completed by my friend along with an email sent to my phone with photos of safe popsicles! Phew.
My food allergy friend and I are on each other’s emergency call list for school. We will rush over any special food allergy ingredient during a baking or culinary crisis. We make ourselves available to help each other with any food allergy training or education that’s needed. We bulk shop together and openly and freely share fabulous food allergy safe recipes and treats.
Most of all, we allow ourselves the freedom to just be supportive friends. I can call her to moan over the ridiculous and she’ll listen as if I had been over charged by the IRS. She can to vent over injustices and I will commiserate. We are allowed to just be.
She is one of my most sacred food allergy buddies. I have been blessed with several of these amazing gals in my life. From my original food allergy and asthma mentors to an amazing group of women I just met last year. Even better: I am double lucky by having incredible non-allergic family friends who work just as hard to keep my children included and safe.
You want to hear something amusing? Both ladies working so hard this week to keep my son safe are named Luann. Must be in the name! I am simply feeling grateful for all the loving and concerned people in my life today.
1:53p.m. Land in Chicago at peace knowing my friends care and support something as simple as popsicles. Well, really the frozen treat symbolizes the beauty of friendship and community. Popsicles are not as important as good friends.
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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!..
I concur! She is amazing – you both are!!!!! What would our food allergy community have done without the two of you? I think you both took me grocery shopping when I was still reeling and in shock 7 (!) years ago when my 2 year old daughter was diagnosed with Peanut Allergies – I had a twitch in my eye and fear in my heart and you both helped to calm and educate me. Heart you amazing women – Love your blog too!!
Oh Kelly, I do remember that..back when Wild Oats was still in town and supporting folks with food allergies to the nth degree.
Wow, we have come a long way haven’t we?
I could not agree more on every level! I am so blessed by your friendship. I am blessed by the whole food allergy community that has grown out of our efforts! Amazing People!
Enjoy your exciting new adventure at the ALA Meeting! And enjoy the nut and sesame indulgences that I am sure are occurring! Eat a Snickers for me!
I had to cut myself off with the nut fest! My poor stomach could not take macademia nuts!
it goes without saying that you are a ‘virtual friend’ to many.