Food allergy is more common than before. Much more common. 50% more of our children have allergies than children two decades ago. We all know a child with at least one allergy; it is statistically certain.
At the same time, I find a willful ignorance on the subject. I hear complaints of inconvenience. I see lax response to the needs of people with food allergies.
We can try and we can forget.
Like I did two Sundays ago. The visitor who asked for the gluten-free wafer, the one who was promised protection and we weren’t prepared. I felt absolutely horrible.
After the service, we found the consecrated gluten-free wafers, and I washed my hands, and retrieved a clean chalice and poured into it wine from the reserve. Two others joined us up at the altar and we communed together. It wasn’t perfect. It wasn’t the way I dreamed it up. But we need to be a source of life for everyone.
I have my own fears, my own concerns. Because accidents happen. And we rely on everyone to take care of each other. Using an EPI-pen (as I have) can be the difference between life and death. That’s why parents get funny about their kids and food allergies.
This excellent video clearly explains the how, the why, and the treatment for those with food allergy.
Please take the time this week to learn more about food allergies, what they mean for families, and what can be done to protect everyone.
You can start by reading this letter by the President and this list of resources put out by the NIAID.
Then talk about it with someone you love. Without snark or derision. Without joking or mocking. Just be honest. That allergies are real. And we can all do things to protect our, and someone else’s loved ones.
Leave a Reply