The Dark Storm Cloud: Reflections of a Food Allergy Mama

Yesterday was the last day of Food Allergy Awareness Week 2020. I hope that the event can become obsolete soon; that we can finally achieve a cure. But, for right now, that remains a dream. So, with that in mind, I figured I'd end the week with a reflection on managing food allergies. My own, but more so, my child's.

Managing food allergies can often feel like a dark cloud hanging over our heads. The threat of a life threatening reaction looms, ever present. Like a summer storm, a reaction can come on quickly and furiously, leaving a trail of distruction in its path.

I pray we will find a cure. I pray each day my child will be okay; that they will make it through the day safely.
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But there is a silver lining, and that is the community we've been connected with. The food allergy community, and especially the sesame allergy community, is fiercely protective. Supportive. Kind. Helpful. If we are going to live this life, at least we live it with them. We so appreciate you, fellow food allergy families. This life is hard, but you make it feel just a little more manageable. It has been just over a year since my child's diagnosis of a sesame allergy, and it has been a steep learning curve. But the process has been much easier with the support of our allergy community.

I hope you have had a healthy, safe Food Allergy Awareness Week, and wish you a healthy and safe year ahead. May the dark storm cloud remain far off, with the breeze in the opposite direction, for us all.