Nightmare on my street

Last night I had probably the worst dream I've had in quite a while.

Did you see the news story about the girl who died from her peanut allergy?  If not, go here to read about it.  Go on, I'll wait.

Everyone caught up?  Good.  I dreamt last night that someone tied me up, gagged me, and then force fed Gabriel nuts.  He was screaming and crying, absolutely hysterical.  He knew that he would die.  The fear on his face is not something I will ever be able to erase from my mind's eye.  I bolted straight up, heart racing and breathing hard, crying.

If he eats nuts, or coconut, he will die.   He reacts to the nut stand in the mall, the one that cooks the gourmet nuts.  He's had a very bad reaction from a sugar cookie, baked on a baking sheet that previously held nut cookies.  The Epi Pen can help save his life.  But what about if it's not available, or if he doesn't bring it, or if it misfires?  What about when he becomes a teenager, and it's not cool to carry an Epi?  What about if friends joke him, tease him, and dare him just to eat one nut? 

This is something that I worry about every day.  My big kids are good at checking labels, and Gabe is good about asking.  He's only 6.  What about when he's older?  I can't keep him safe forever.  It's really scary to know that just one bite of food could, in fact, kill your son.

Comments

[Hayes]

Oh Carmen, I cannot imagine that. I am so so sorry. Heck, I'm crying. Isn't it jsut our worst fear that something will happen to oour kid.s The difference is that your worries are so prevalent and tangible. Hugs mama.

[lucy]

I saw that story, and my first thought (after 'what a tragedy') was how guilty that poor boy will feel for the rest of his life.

I worry about Ben and bees. Okay, maybe I obsess....I should never have seen My Girl. What if he doesn't have his Epi and can't make it home? :shudders:

[Xenia Kathryn]

Occassionally I babysit a 2-year old girl with the same strong peanut allergy. I must admit, I am always very reluctant to babysit her, not b/c she isn't sweet, but because I'm TERRIFIED that I'll have some trace of peanut on me.

It seems to me, though, that if Gabriel is already conscientious of his allergy at 6, he'll be all the more diligent (or at least mindful) when he's older. He's practicing excellent habits right now.

[Renee]

This is one of the reasons I long so for heaven - we get to have all the love without any of the fear. Prayers for you!

[Fiona]

I thought of you when I read that article a couple of days ago.

What an awful dream. I'm sorry you also have to deal with that fear on a daily basis. Hugs!

[Mrs. Fun]

oh man. that is the worst dream. I just wanna hug you.

[Shelly]

Sean doesn't have a peanut allergy, but a latex and kiwi allergy. So many Drs/nurse who come in with those gloves on without reading his chart....I could scream!
I am sorry the bad dream...dreams like that are not fun. Sweeter dreams tonight!

[Dollymama]

((hug))

((hug))

((hug))

[Dollymama]

((hug))

((hug))

((hug))

[Theresa]

That is terrifying...

[Kismet]

Scary scary scary. And I hear they can develop later when kids are older. How do you prepare for something like that?

~K!