Some people still don't get it...even in my world!

You think after starting a company based on my children's life-threatening food allergies and becoming a food allergy advocate, my inner circle would remember to be more careful. Not true. In fact, two recent incidents occurred that leave me to believe that we in the allergy community need more help in regards to educating those on the severity of the situation. We are just not taken seriously. I have heard this from people in our allergic community coast to coast.

Part of the reason for starting our website www.sweetalexis.com was not only to offer delicious dairy, egg, tree nut and peanut free treats but to offer support to other food allergic families. I have heard endless stories of how each of us in our respective communities must not only educate ever person that comes in contact with our precious children but we must also be a constant advocate for them reminding everyone in reach about the stituation. Not to mention we must do it in a way where we are not ostracizing our children and alienating ourselves. Over time (depending on my baking schedule), I plan to offer advice on we our community handle food allergies in a way that seems to be working not only well for us but for our friends and neighbors, educators and business community alike.

Now back to what happen. We were having a large potluck barbecue prior to Mother's Day at our home. Now, I don't expect new friends or acquaintances to always bring "safe" food, after all our kids are allergic to pretty much everything and dangerous foods are a constant. We've decided to start at home teaching them to protect themselves by not taking food and always asking if the food is safe regardless of who prepares it. In fact, my husband and I constantly double check ingredients even to this day. Nonetheless, one of our immediate family members prepared and brought a fruit salad containing one of their main allergens. Imagine my children's dismay at seeing the other children eat the fruit and they were not able to especially since it was brought by a family member. The relative, when reminded about the allergy, got upset with us. You're right, my bad...bring a loaded gun with the safety off, give it to my child to play with and I won't say anything that might embarrass you. Sorry.

Then a couple of days later my daughter was at a friends house who decided to cook shrimp while she was there playing. The friend didn't realize the mere smell of the shrimp cooking would send her into shock. Luckily, we got her out of there quickly and after much medication and a shower she was fine...physically.

After the shower, Alexis sat on my bed and cried for the first time in a long time about her food allergies. She said "it's hard and it's not fair". I told her that it's okay to get mad...let it all out. She looked at me puzzled, "You mean I can get mad about my food allergies?" I said sure, you can get mad today but I won't let you be mad everyday and get yourself down. I gave her permission to cry and told her when she was done we would give her a manicure. She was so happy to hear that it was okay to get mad once in awhile that she was in my arms in minutes and we were off to pick her nail color.

As promised, I do plan to share my personal experiences in hopes someone will find them helpful and realize "we too can have a great life with food allergies!"