The Next Roller Coaster Ride

As most weeks are, this has been one of ups and downs. But the very big "up" this week is one that brings me more joy than anything but the birth of my children and my wedding day: my daughter's allergy tests suggest she is very likely free of her peanut allergy.

For those of you fortunate enough not to have food allergies in your lives, this probably doesn't sound like a big deal. For those of you who actually know what this is like, I know you rejoice for me whether you know me or not, because nobody should have to live with a life-threatening food allergy and all that goes with it. To have gotten the news that her skin test showed only the tiniest weal, and her bloodwork actually came back *NEGATIVE* for peanut antigen, and that she is now clearly eligible for a food challenge to determine once and for all if she is actually actively allergic to peanuts, is like being released from a medical prison. True, she has not yet passed the food challenge, so we're not out of the woods yet. It's more akin to hearing that the "real" killer has confessed, so while you're technically still incarcerated, the likelihood of your release is almost certain. But we'll take it.

I dream of the day when my daughter can split a peanut butter and jelly sandwich with me. When she can go to a friend's birthday party without my having had to do a complete menu review with the child's mother ahead of time and then bring a special cupcake for my daughter anyway just to be safe. When we can take her to the town fair and let her have an ice cream cone or funnel cake and enjoy the event the way every other kid can. When she can take an airplane trip - at all. I dream of not having to worry - on top of all the other things parents have to worry about - that she will be out of my sight someday, whether at age 5 or 15 or 50 - and will either be careless or the victim of someone else's carelessness and end up in the emergency room - or worse - because she was inadvertently exposed to a food that could kill her. I dream of a life unimpeded by all the restrictions a life-threatening food allergy necessitates. And folks, I just might not have to dream much longer.

Every prayer is welcome that this particular nightmare will soon be over.