Food Allergy Families

My Mom had a game night over the weekend. I went shopping with her, and she wanted to buy all kinds of treats from the bakery. OK, fine. Well, she wanted to buy Baklava. I had visions of sticky nuts getting all over the games while Emily was playing. I told her I didn't think the Baklava was a good idea. I was then told that I am just an overprotective mother. And, when was I finally going to let Emily eat bakery treats? Ummm, let me think... NEVER?!! I will fully admit I am not a really good cook, but I can bake. I would put my baked goods up against ANY bakery and I win. Every time. Why can't I just bring the treats?

So, here comes the confession part. My mom insisted on buying all of these different bakery things -- cupcakes, cookies, candy, none of which Emily could eat. She bought her a bag of Keebler cookies, which I did verify were safe. I knew that it would be an issue, but my Mom inisisted it wouldn't. Fast forward to party day, and I have a kid in tears because her sister gets to eat all kinds of goodies, and she can't. My mom was shocked. So, part of me was glad the point was made, but most of me felt way, way guilty. I should have just baked something so my kid wasn't in tears. Learned my lesson, and will never try to prove a point that way again.

I don't mean to sound overly dramatic, but I felt really betrayed by my mom. Of all my family and friends, I would think she would get it. She was there when Emily had her anaphylactic shock (she was the one who fed her cashews) and was rushing her to the ER. Does Emily have to have anaphylaxsis again to reinforce the gravity of the situation? My mom thinks that since she has not had any more issues, things must be fine. Um, maybe that's because I am so "overprotective" that she has stayed safe.

Anyway, it feels good to vent to you guys. Thanks for listening to my very, very long post.