Thursday Thanks Tank #128

Every week I take time to appreciate my blessings. Each Thursday I make a list. This is my Thursday Thanks Tank. The list looks different from week to week -sometimes I write lists on paper, sometimes I make a mental list throughout my day, and sometimes I make a list as I write a post for this blog. No matter how I write it out, my Thursday Thanks Tanks are a glimpse into my thankful heart.

This week I am focusing on my son's peanut allergy. Here are somethings that I am thankful for in regards to my son's food allergy.

My cell phone The school called me today. It wasn't about my son's food allergy. It was about his asthma. Still, they confirmed that they would be able to reach me by cell phone at any point of the day. Years ago, that wouldn't have been possible. I am thankful for my cell phone.

Epi-pens Honestly, my son's Epi-pen scares me. If I have to use it, that means something bad has happened. That's scary. But, I am super thankful that Epi-pens exist and that they can provide life saving medicine to my son.

My son's teacher She has made this year easy on me. It hasn't been easy to send my peanut allergic son to school. My son's teacher has taken his allergy as seriously as I do. For that, I am forever grateful.

My kids I am thankful for my kids because they look out for each other. I cannot count the times that one son or the other has asked us if they can have a snack (at soccer practice, church, or somewhere else) because "is it safe for David?" Their concern for their brother makes my heart happy.

My son's attitude My son, David, has the most amazing attitude about his allergy. I'm up late asking my husband what he is thankful for related to David's allergy and his response is "I'm not thankful." (Tomorrow he will chastise me for posting that.) But, David says that he likes his allergy a little bit (stay tuned for his allergy interview). The kid amazes me. He has the best outlook. He takes his allergy in stride.

Food Awareness Because of my son's allergy, I am super aware of food ingredients. This encourages me to live healthier. At the very least, I am aware of what my kid are eating.

A growing ability to plan-ahead My son's allergy has taught me to plan ahead. I have to be prepared. I plan ahead when we are going out. If we are out, there is a possibility there will be food involved. If food's involved, I need the medicine bag (complete with benadryl, allergy eye drops, and a 2 pack of Epi-pens). I need the bag at all times because food is everywhere. Planning ahead doesn't come naturally to me but it has become a way of life.

Hospitality It almost seems sarcastic but I don't mean it that way- I am much more hospitable because of my son's food allergy. I will always offer to bring food. If someone refuses my offer because it isn't needed, I bring food anyway. I ask ahead of time about food preparations. I offer to host. I offer to bring desserts (because dessert is really important to a 6 year old). I am at all of the class parties. My son's food allergy has prompted me to be more involved and hospitable.

Twitter Allergy Friends and Allergy Blogs I learn from my twitter allergy friends. I learn from the posts on allergy blogs. Sometimes twitter friends just let me know that they understand. That helps. I am thankful for these forms of media. I have learned so much from them.

I have to stop because it is late. I have to say this is a good exercise. I tend to get bogged down in the stress of food allergies. It is stressful. There's no doubt about that. It helps to take a few minutes and think about the positive side of food allergies.