Today I accosted a fabulous mother of a darling little girl in my daughter’s classroom with a big old early morning hug! The reason: she included my child with food allergies! This week her child was VIP. Each child gets the opportunity to be classroom VIP. Along with being a Very Important Person, they sit in a special comfy fabric chair, a poster about them is hung with care and all sorts of cool things take place all week long. Fab Mom, Andrea, had decided to bring in special treats all week long. If they were food items, she would send in a small toy for my child. She brought in Pizza for lunch today, but earlier this week, a message was sent out for families to call Andrea to confirm that the brand was safe for children with food allergies. Why did I gush with gratitude today? Three words: INCLUSION with heart.
Love this quote!
After the giant hug, I offered up my best heart felt thank you and she answered back so simply, “of course I brought things for your daughter, I wanted her to be INCLUDED!” So simple and so beautiful. Even though the week was centered around her cherub, she had committed herself to including all of the student community–food allergies and all. She just made my day and warmed my heart that people do see beyond themselves and realize it doesn’t take much more to bring joy to others by including them.
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!..
This post really hits home. We were invited to a potluck dinner party. I knew that the hosts made something safe for our son. But what I didn’t expect was that every other couple at the party brought food with his allergies in mind. Even the dessert was dairy free fruit crumble with coconut ice cream. When we walked in, I was shown labels, I was read ingredient lists, all to make sure my son was included. All I could do was burst into tears. All of that compassion was nothing short of phenomenal!
Marla, you get it! Poor Andrea didn’t know what hit her this morning. You are right, those actions were worth more than any car, diamond or gift anyone can buy. Sometimes, I just feel soooo incredibly lucky.
Heartwarming to hear of the special efforts others make to ensure all guests are feeling welcome and safe!
Ernesta, It is so lovely when you are hear of good deeds like this one. Did you read Marla’s comment too? So beautiful and encouraging.