Tuesday, June 1, 2010

Being a Peanut Allergy Mom Is Like Being a Goalie for the Blackhawks


Watching the Chicago Blackhawks Stanley Cup finals yesterday, I couldn't help but be impressed by their nearly superhuman goalie, Niemi. Pucks were flying and he was catching them and blocking them like crazy. I think he blocked 27 shots in all, just in Monday's game.

I could identify with him a little bit. Sometimes, dealing with peanut and tree nut allergies feels like that, especially at the end of the school year.

All of the food involved these last 2 weeks of school have been like flying pucks. Zing! Here comes ice cream day! Bam! It's the Fun Lunch! What are they having?? Is it safe? Better check! Zoom! It's the end of year party and here come more frozen treats!

As moms of kids with nut allergies or any food allergies, we are constantly blocking the shots, i.e. intercepting unsafe foods from our kids. No wonder we get tired sometimes. As tired as the goalie Niemi felt last night, I'm feeling his pain. The end of the school year is a near-constant food fest and there is food allergy risk around every corner.

While the Blackhawks will have a Stanley Cup to show for their efforts if they keep up the wins, we have something equally as good to show for our efforts: a healthy, happy child. And if we get through the year safely, parents, I'm counting on all of us to celebrate like Stanley Cup-winning hockey stars. Well, maybe not exactly like that. :) But celebrate! You've earned it.

7 comments:

Jane Anne said...

This is my son's first year. We have 8 days to go - no 7 because today is over. I think you are right- I am going to celebrate like a Stanley Cup-winning hockey star!

ME said...

Love this! Was sitting at the zoo today trying to keep the PB &J sandwhiches away from my son. Wipes me out day to day both physically and mentally! thanks for the good story!

ME said...

Thank you so much for the great post. I often feel hammered with all the mental workings of keeping my son safe. it is really supportive to hear that other moms feel the same way!

Unknown said...

An excellent comparison. I think we're all pretty good goalies for our kids. We have to be! :-)

Jen H said...

Totally agree! I am constantly on guard with our 2 food allergic kids. My toddler still eats random bits of food off the ground and I feel like I always have adrenaline pumping through my body. Can never fully relax around food.

dannyscotland said...

What a great site you have. I'm glad to have found it. I love your comparison to the Blackhawks--my hubby's from Chicago and is hoping they'll take the Stanley Cup, too!

Jenny said...

Hawks win! Now I feel like a winning goalie--especially because school is out and we made it through. Congrats to the Blackhawks AND all the food allergy parents! You rock.