Living an Allergic Life

There hasn't been much to write about lately since our routine has been pretty static.  The Babe still comes up with great lines, and is as always, entertaining.  However, day-to-day isn't particularly exciting lately.  Spring will be here soon, and maybe that will wake me up a bit.

In the meantime, my husband and I had the opportunity to hear an author speak.  The fact that my husband attended is a big deal, since his work right now is extremely time-consuming, and the Babe frequently mentions how she misses her Daddy, since he frequently arrives home from work either after she's asleep, or within an hour of her bed-time. 

We heard Sandra Beasley speak at a MOCHA meeting.  She is the author of, "Don't Kill the Birthday Girl: Tales From an Allergic Life".  She is an adult who grew up with, and still lives with, several major food allergies.  The book is part memoir, part social and scientific discussion of food allergies.  What was so great about this is she gives first-hand descriptions of what her life is like, navigating through social and educational situations, with her allergies.  Its a look into what our child's future may be like if she doesn't out-grow her allergies. 

Sandra is a bright, articulate, attractive, positive person.  She just so happens to have food allergies.  It has not stopped her from obtaining a college degree, living on campus, traveling, and working.  She did not do these things without significant allergic reactions, but she did not and apparently does not let food allergies stop her from living as normal a life as possible. 

We walked away from the discussion with some added insights and things to keep in mind for our little one's future.  While we pray she outgrows her food allergies, we know one day with or without allergies she will be out in the real world navigating it on her own.  For now, we will hover, protect, and proceed to provide her as safe an environment as we possibly can.  In the end though, she will be the one who has to recognize what's safe and what's not for herself, and how to respond appropriately.