“Food allergies have shaped my life by making me stronger, having a voice and protecting myself!”
When I ask myself how food allergies have shaped my life.... My first thought is adversity!! My food allergies are an adversity in my life that have made me stronger!
I have had peanut and tree nut allergies for as long as I can remember. I had my first reaction at the age of 1, and never outgrew them! They are severe and anaphylactic!
When I think about myself as a younger child and the way it shaped my life, it is completely different than how it now shapes my life as a young man!
As a child, I was scared of what might happen if I ate, touched or even smelled peanuts! I had a fear of it.. it overwhelmed me. I didn’t want to be anywhere away from my family whom I felt safe with! I didn’t eat at birthday parties when my parents weren’t there . The only way I could control my food allergies was to abstain from eating... I knew if I didn’t eat I was safe! In elementary school I sat away from the majority of kids at a “peanut free table” to ensure I was safe! When I started elementary kids like me sat at a separate table, pretty sure now, that would be considered exclusion but then it was keeping me safe! Those early days sitting away from the friends I knew to know I was safe, has shaped my life. No child should ever have to sit alone to ensure he lives or doesn’t have an anaphylactic reaction at lunch!
I think it wasn’t until about middle school that I was done letting that fear of “what if” run my life! I decided with my parents' support, no more sitting at peanut free tables at lunch away from my friends! I would lay awake at night praying for God to take care of me and I believed He would, so time to show my faith!
Of course , I always carry my epinephrine because unfortunately I’ve seen it work fast and I know it’s my life saver! I’m careful, ask about the foods, what’s in them and never take chances! I was a shy kid, and maybe said to be somewhat of a shy young adult, but I have learned through this I have a voice, and Have to use it to make sure I’m Safe everyday ! My mom isn’t always going to be with me to ask about what’s in a product, or ask what oil is being used!
Food allergies have shaped my life by making me stronger, having a voice and protecting myself!
I have just completed my first year of college , not one time this year have I had to use my epinephrine .
I was a little embarrassed to have to go and talk to cooks in the cafeteria but I also learned they also care about me and there’s nothing to be embarrassed about ! The last thing they want on their hands is a student in anaphylactic shock! Those cooks, and students around me also want to keep me safe and they want to learn how to make sure I am!
I am stronger today because of how this has shaped my life. I love myself and who God made me to be and I have no regrets and wouldn’t change a thing about me!
- Graham M.