Food is everywhere. Food is part of everything we as humans do and for most cultures food is what brings people together. Holidays are centered around meals together. Sharing of food takes place at family events. Even sport events have food involved. It seems that we just cannot escape from food!
Having a child with food allergies is difficult but most times things can be substituted and the child can still eat. Having a child who currently cannot eat anything but carrots is beyond difficult. Parents tell me all the time "you are lucky you don't have to worry about cooking for your kids". Cooking for my kids is something I would love to do and hearing that so many times makes my heart break. I don't think anyone could understand what it feels like to have to deprive your child of food unless you actually have to do it. They would never say something like that if they understood really what it was like. I do have to spend time in the kitchen freezing pureed carrots, making baked carrot chips, boiling carrots and trying to think of a million other ways to feed my child the one food she can eat.
So at some point the stress of parties, playdates and all the other things that should be fun for a toddler and parent get to you. How many times do you have to see your child look with longing at the other kids eating, having to wipe toys and make sure no food touches your child before you want to scream, cry or just give up?
Many times I just want to not go to these social events, but then what am I teaching my kids? I need to be strong for them. I need them to understand that they can still enjoy life without food even though society says differently. I need them to know they can be anyone and do anything no matter what life throws at them. I need to be their MOTHER and show them the way when they feel to give up.
So sometimes at night when my brain can't turn off, when I am consumed by the battles my children face daily. I remind myself to open that box put all the PI/EGID thoughts in it and tuck it away until I am strong enough to face them again.
