From the Mouth of a Kid
Reason #48573 why I love my son:
He started Boy Scout camp this week. Per the usual routine, we arrived with "his" bag - a brightly colored, zipper top fabric bag. It has a loop and is about the same size as a gallon Ziploc bag. It contains two epi pens, one trainer (in case I need to demonstrate how to dispense), one bottle of Benadryl, three medicine cups, one albuterol inhaler, one blue albuterol spacer, one bottle of ibuprofen, and an index card with his name, address, insurance information, daily medication dosages, allergies and how to reach me. I love the bag, because everything is together in one place and I don't have to do a ton of explaining.
Well, not THAT much explaining. But I still have to say SOME things.
So I start the drill. This is my son. He is eight years old and belongs in Pack Blah-Blah-Blah. This is his bag. He has multiple food allergies, asthma, gets migraines and vomits if he gets overheated. He also has febrile seizures. Luckily, it is the same nurse as last year, and she welcomes him warmly. She praises both of us for being proactive and informational, and turns to the other nurse. "You don't have to worry about this one." she says. "He is great with labels and knows exactly what to eat and doesn't get upset if he can't have it. His mom always makes sure he has plenty of safe food."
The second nurse sticks out her hand and introduces herself to me. After we've completed the formalities, she does the same to my son. He shakes her hand, shows his Medic-Alert bracelet, explains his allergies and asthma and everything else and then begins to dart off in the direction of his group. "Wait!" she calls. "So, you are allergic to peanuts, tree nuts, and coconut. In other words, all nuts?"
He flips around and replies, "Well, not donuts."
That. Was. Excellent.
Posted by: Backpacking Dad | June 24, 2008 at 02:37 PM
OH MY GOSH. He's such a good sport! I love that attitude!
I'm griping miserably cuz I can't have sushi, hot dogs, roast beef and baked brie while pregnant (WAAAAAAAAH!)... and I'm only pregnant for less than a year.
He's gotta deal *every* day, he's EIGHT, and he has a fantastic attitude. Go Him!
Posted by: bloggymommer | June 24, 2008 at 02:46 PM
Your Son is awesome! *G*
Posted by: Brandy | June 24, 2008 at 03:05 PM
What an amazing attitude! Seriously, you have a lot to be proud of -- he's a great kid, and funny to boot!
Posted by: First Rough Draft | June 24, 2008 at 03:09 PM
HAHA! That's great! Wouldn't want him to miss out on any donuts!
Posted by: Cassie | June 24, 2008 at 03:25 PM
He's a quick one!
Posted by: Sarah, Goon Squad Sarah | June 24, 2008 at 04:06 PM
he'd do Groucho proud!
Posted by: des | June 24, 2008 at 04:31 PM
haha, how clever!!
Posted by: Dana | June 24, 2008 at 04:57 PM
As a Guider (UK Girl Scout leader) I only wish all parents were as organised as you Carmen.
If they were my life would be so much easier!
Posted by: Katie | June 24, 2008 at 05:20 PM
Brilliant.
I have a friend whose son (5) and daughter (4) have the peanut and tree nut allergy. She is also very vigilant. You have to be. It is life and death for your child. What kills me are the parents that just don't get it. She had a graduation at her son's *nut free* preschool and one mom had brought in pecan coffee cake rings and she actually said, but it's not for the kids. Eventhough they were all right there! Ignorant. It all got thrown in the garbage thanks to my friend.
Posted by: Beach Mama | June 24, 2008 at 05:34 PM
How funny and very quick witted for an 8 year old!! :)
Posted by: Sandra | June 24, 2008 at 05:59 PM
Your son is funnier and more quick witted than me. I am also amazed at the wonderful nurses and how well prepared and kind they were to you. And amazed by you for all the labels and teaching your son so well. Sounds like he is going to have a great summer.
Posted by: Marsha | June 24, 2008 at 06:14 PM
That is a 'happy' post!
Love it!
Posted by: Headless Mom | June 24, 2008 at 06:56 PM
Reading this gives me hope for my kid. Who is also allergic to all nuts except donuts.
Posted by: Becki | June 24, 2008 at 08:51 PM
HA! Very funny!
Posted by: Mommy, I'm Home | June 24, 2008 at 10:20 PM
Here's to you, Gabriel (raising a big, gooey, nut-free donut in your honor)! Hope you have a great time at Cub Camp!
Liz (mom to a Cub and a Boy Scout)
Posted by: Liz in Seattle | June 25, 2008 at 02:45 AM
Great kid!!! I love that his attitude is just so positive, too. :-)
I have a question for any of you moms with kids with multiple "issues" (not meant in a negative way!!!)...I assume the finding out portion of these issues was fairly obvious, especially the food allergies, but is there any way to head off or kind of sound out any potential issues before they get bad enough to need emergency treatment? What I mean is, if my daughter needs an epi pen, that's fine, but is there any way to find out she needs one before something drastic happens???
I realize this may be a stupid question to you veteran moms, but my twins are a year and a half and I'm a little paranoid. (First-timer and all that...)
Thanks!!!
Posted by: Amanda | June 25, 2008 at 10:33 AM
LOL!!! You're son is such a nut! A good nut...hehe
Aww man, I'm seeing myself in a few years. My 17 month old have many food allergies etc..etc... I always wonder how my 2 older boys ever escaped it since I have many allergies myself.
Awesome nurse! Your son will definitely have fun this summer.
BTW, I'm from CMB - an SVmom group. I saw that you will be in Blogher this year. Looking forward in meeting you.
:-)mj
Posted by: MJ Tam | June 25, 2008 at 10:44 AM
Your son is brilliant! "Donuts" I love it.
Posted by: Karen M | June 25, 2008 at 11:29 AM
He has a quick response time!!
Posted by: Jess | June 25, 2008 at 02:03 PM
And that is why the allergies won't hold him back. :) Good for him!
Posted by: jen | June 25, 2008 at 10:32 PM
Loved it!
I linked to it in a post on my blog...
http://sassymarie.blogspot.com/2008/06/allergies.html
Posted by: SassyMarie | June 27, 2008 at 01:29 PM