Sure, every household has things they say to each other that are normal to them and probably abnormal to others. But, have you ever stepped inside of an allergy house? No? Oh, it gets weird. Or at least it does in ours. (And we’re okay with it!) Especially since there are three of us who have allergies to different things. Here are some examples.
“But did you wash your hands first?”
Okay, this first one might not sound so strange in 2020 with the Coronavirus and all. Everybody is washing their hands and likely doubting if other people really washed theirs. But, this kind of mistrust has been going on in our lives since before it was in style.
Prior to accepting anything from anybody, you will typically hear us ask, “Cool- but, did you wash your hands first?”
“…………With soap?”
Sorry, sorry- had to ask!
“Is it itchy or special?”
When my oldest son was a toddler, we couldn’t really explain what his food allergies were. And so, we just told him there were “itchy” foods and “special” foods. Because he had eczema and hated the “itchies”, it was enough for him. He didn’t want anything to do with something that could make him feel that way.
Then it kind of stuck. “Itchy” foods were the ones he couldn’t eat and “special” foods were the ones he could because they were made “special” – at home, safely, with love, etc.
Well, when my next son came along and learned how to speak, he had a lot to say about those two words. He wanted to know why his brother always got to be the “special one” and he was stuck being “itchy”. No, he didn’t want to be itchy anymore, he protested. He wanted to be special!
And who doesn’t? So, after a good chuckle, a long hug, and a little hair ruffle, we agreed to change the names.
But now the kids are older, it’s not uncommon to still find something in our kitchen labeled as “itchy” or “special”. Especially on baggies of leftover pancakes!
“Don’t touch me yet!”
My younger son did end up developing allergies like his older brother after all. However, his list is shorter and so in a way, he is still the “itchy” one since he can eat real pizza and macaroni and cheese.
And boys will be boys. They love to rough house and wrestle at all hours of the day. So, sometimes you will hear the younger one shout to his brother, “Wait, don’t touch me yet!”
(Pause.)
“Okay, I washed my hands and face… Let’s go!”
“HANDS UP!”
Freeze!
Put your hands in the air!
I said hold it!
No, it’s not a stick-up, I swear. It’s our nightly after-dinner routine with new kids in the house.
Recently, my two nieces and one nephew came to live with us- ages 2, 3, and 5. And since they don’t have any food allergies, they eat many of our allergens.
The 5-year-old has quickly learned all about them and adapted to our routines. But, the little people are still that- little people with little hands, sticky fingers, and fast feet.
After meals, we have the babies put their hands in the air, and (before they can wave ’em like they just don’t care) we give them a good wipe down or walk them to the shower. Most times, they cooperate. Other times, they take off running and laughing. (Don’t worry- we catch them!)
Jokes Aside
I know allergies are no laughing matter. But, allergy family to allergy family, you have to admit certain things sound funny when said out loud. Just for a smile, do you say anything similar? If yes, I’d love to hear about yours.