My Liv

Since Olivia was little we realized that she had some allergies. Occasionally she would eat something and break out in a little hive or two and the last few years during spring and fall she would pretty much be miserable.Yesterday I took her for allergy testing and guess what? She is very allergic to nuts, corn, soy, melon and peas. On top of that she is very allergic to every tree, grass, weed, cats and dust you can think of. And possibly bees.It is so bad that they prescribed her an emergency epinephrine shot to keep with her at all times.

She was so miserable yesterday. It took all she had not to break down in tears. I don't blame her. I have dealt with allergies a good part of my life and it causes you to have to be very cautious and feel very restricted. On top of that it can be so embarrassing to have to ask people if the food they have has nuts or if they have animals in their house. No body wants to have to change the lifestyle that they have been so comfortable with. And no body wants to be told that they have to keep a medicine with you at all times that could save your life if needed.

I kept telling her that it would be okay.But I could see how frightened and anxious she was. It amazes me that Heavenly Father knew she needed to be with me. We are so alike. As they were testing her I kept telling her , "You are my girl, you were meant to be with me." I felt so many anxieties myself as they told me how serious it was. I kept thinking , "Am I strong enough not to panic if she gets in a bad situation." Especially because I am so panicky myself by nature. She is also like me because she holds her feelings in. I kept wanting to tell her to just cry and let it out but how do you tell someone to do something that is so hard for you to do.

I am realizing that this is something our whole family will have to adapt to. Last night we had taquitos for dinner. After I made them I realized they were in corn tortillas. So I opted to have a burrito with a flour tortilla with her so she wouldn't feel left out. I have dealt with that "left out" felling because of my allergies for so many years and the on the only word to describe it is that IT SUCKS! It is hard for people to understand that this is something you didn't ask for and its even harder when you are teased about it. Especially when you are already realizing all the things you are missing out on because of it.

So now we will go on, we will learn to adapt for her because we love her and that's what you do for the people you love. If any of you see my girl anytime soon give her a great big hug she sure could use it.