This week, I have been focusing my posts on my son's peanut allergy. I wish my son did not have a peanut allergy. I cannot deny that. In the middle of my struggle with this food allergy, I recognize that I am blessed. Here is my Allergy Thursday Thanks Tank.
I am thankful for:
Our Laws
1990 Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Rehabilitation Act of 1973
Did you know that food allergies are covered as a disability? I started to copy parts of the law here but my post got rather long. If this is news to you, do an internet search on these laws and food allergies. Here are a couple of links to start with: Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America and the Food Allergy Initiative)
Sunbutter
My PA son would eat this every single day for lunch if I would let him. He would rather have it than pizza, ham and cheese, chicken- anything, really. This sunbutter is the best: Sunbutter
A Knowledgeable Babysitter
One of our babysitters (we use 2 for our 4 kids- they are sisters) has a peanut allergy. I am amazed and extremely thankful that I have a teenage babysitter that "gets it". She understands everything.
Epipens
I have not had to use one on my son. Still, I am thankful for the life-saving medicine provided in my son’s Epipens. I am thankful that we have them readily available to us. To learn more: Epipen
A Fantastic Preschool Teacher
My son's preschool teacher is thoughtful and proactive when it comes to his peanut allergy. She lets me know in plenty of time about class parties. She coordinates with me on special events that involve food. I have been tremendously blessed by her this year.
Friends that Check First
This week at church the kids were given some candy. Some candy was known to be safe because the labels were available. There weren't labels for the caramels. My friend told my son that he couldn't have the candy because she had to check with me. We determined that we couldn't know if it was safe or not. She went home and checked out the candy bag and called me. The best part? She checked with me first. I am so thankful.
Twitter is fairly new to me. I don’t even know the correct Twitter lingo yet. To be honest, my initial reaction to Twitter was, “Why do I need another Internet social network tool?” I have discovered that Twitter is a valuable resource to get information about food allergies. I started following other people that have allergy websites. I get updates and links through Twitter that I would have to time to find in my normal Internet surfing. Speaking of Twitter, You’re Invited to a Food Allergy Twitter Party
Google Alerts
I have a google alert for “peanut allergy”. Each day I get a Google Alert informing me of news stories and blog posts that contain the words “peanut allergy.” This has been a great resource to stay up-to-date on news and to connect with others walking this food allergy journey.
Friends that Consider my Son's Allergy when Planning Events
Another example of thoughtfulness took place at church. A women's brunch was hosted there this past weekend. I was asked ahead of time if there would be a problem with there being nuts at the brunch.
Knowledgeable Doctor
I am thankful for the doctor we have for my son. He is both an allergist and an asthma specialist. He also has a child with food allergies (including nut allergies). I am thankful for a doctor that is knowledgeable and understanding.
Allergy Blog Friends
Blogging has allowed me to "meet" other people dealing with food allergies. I am thankful for my blog friends that constantly encourage me on this journey.
Allergy Blogs and Websites
I am constantly learning. The internet is such a great tool. In random order, here are some blogs and websites that I lean on and learn from:
The Food Allergy and Anaphylactic Network
Allergy Asthma Network – Mothers of Asthmatics
Food Allergy Books
Food Allergy Buzz
Mom’s Food Allergy Diner
Nut Free Living
The Allergic Kid
The Nut Free Mom
Allergy Sense
No Nuts for Me
No Whey Mama
Allergic Living
Peanut Allergy
Peanut Free Mama
Please Don’t Pass the Nuts
Food Allergy Mama
I know there are more- feel free to suggest other blogs the comments. And, I may have missed listing some I visit. (I have had a few interruptions as I have tried to finish up this post.)
Another thing- there is a Food Allergies Blog Carnival going on today: Celebrating Food Allergy Awareness Week with a Virtual Carnival
Food allergies are not easy. But, we have a lot to be thankful for. Take some time to be thankful today.
13 comments:
I used your post suggestion today. Thanks!
agreed. agreed. agreed. Lots to be thankful for in dealing with FA!!
Those are wonderful things to be thankful for. It is very scary having a child with nut allergies, but having so many helpful people and things...make it a bit easier.
I'm going to have to spend some time checking out all these sites you mentioned! Sunbutter is a lifesaver in our house too. However I just bought the 'natural' jar because that's all Target had and Hayes won't eat it for anything. I hope that hasn't scared him away for good! :)
Hi Jane! You definitely have been blessed w/ people around you that know and understand the PA!!!! I'm sure that makes you so much more at peace!!!
OH..and the internet is such a wealth of information!!!!
I twitter too, but I still don't get it!! LOL
I'm thankful that my son's peanut allergy has made my whole family more sensitive to children with all types of special needs! We, as a family, now understand what it is like to be "different"!
We're also VERY thankful for Sunbutter. My allergy child won't eat it, but it's a great substitute for the rest of us!
as a student teacher we were made very aware of all types of allergies that preschoolers may have and the precautions that must be taken
Thanks for being grateful.
My 14 year old son has to carry an Epipen. I'm thankful for it too!
I am so thankful for all of those too. Great post. We LOVE sunbutter here too, yummy.
By the way, I am just now catching up. Thank you for your sweet comment on my True Story Tuesday post. I have a couple of posts about what happened. I think a flashback Friday at the end of January this year.
What a great post! I'm thankful for you, and the wealth of information you provide for nut allergies!
:o)
P.S. Thank GOD that our son has never had to use his Epipen, either.
What a nice idea -- to focus on things you're grateful for.
I have also recently discovered some of the great blogs out there (and have been blogging myself!). I love being able to connect with other allegy families this way.
Great blog!
Amanda
Wow,
Lots of great stuff.
I am finally getting over to your place for Thankful Thursday…. Last week. Yikes, I am a bit behind. Thank you for honoring the Lord with your Thankful heart. I will see you again this Thursday. Hugs
PS. I forgot the computer tip last week but have a good one for this week.
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