Happy Valentine’s Day! This morning I woke up feeling festive and grateful for the unconditional food allergy love that comes my way. I try to remember those moments when I get frustrated or want to scream at an ignorant statement or action. I am grateful for the classmates who bring in food free items or something special for my daughter. I’m grateful for my son’s friend’s who invite him to do stuff–after they go out for Sushi! It’s that kind of unconditional love I try to give and adore receiving: just accepting each other for who and what we are.
Today, school parties, well meaning friends and the onslaught of Valentine’s that contain candy can be a mine field. My agreement with my children is simple: say thanks, hand out your Valentine’s Day card and trade in that bag of questionable stuff to me for a grand surprise. One year, the grand surprise was a picnic in the living room! Yes, complete with blanket, basket and games.
Wishing you Unconditional Food Allergy Love all year long and that maybe you’ll receive a grand surprise today too!
p.s. I am trying to sneak away to Barnes and Noble today to buy myself a useless magazine and a hot chocolate–going to love myself too!
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!..
Simply love and adore you, your advice and ideas and positive vibes. XXOO ps. Love the seashell idea!!!
Happy Valentine’s Day Kelly! I just cut out 60 little cheddar cheese hearts for Leila’s class and am now cutting out cucumber hearts for the non-dairy eaters (no allergies-Vegan)
Well said! Thank you for the reminder to temper my frustration with what the day is all about- love! We have the same type of agreement at our house. Nothing gets eaten until it gets home and we sort through it together, practicing our label reading and detective skills. Then I trade with them, from my stash of safe candy, for anything that is unsafe or questionable.
Emily, the only problem I have is that I end up being inspired to eat treats too! Hope you enjoyed a safe and health Valentine’s Day! I admit to buying myself some Pascha chocolate. Even though it is safe for my kids, the dark chocolate taste is too “mature” for my daughter, but my son loves it.