It was a family day out. The bright smiles, sun-burnt noses, and muddy boots said it all: the family had a wonderful day in the garden—hot, sweaty, and happy. Entering home felt like bliss, too. Everyone was tired, the good-tired humans were after having a fun-filled day.
Mom had popsicles ready for the entire family to cool off from the heat, to make things even better. For the youngest of the family, mommy is careful because he has a severe peanut allergy. They thoroughly need to check the ingredients and the possibilities of cross-contamination. So, she called the company before giving it to her son. Once assured, she was satisfied and felt like the popsicles were safe.
When they got home, the family collapsed onto the couches with drained energies but the happiest hearts. It was time to unwrap the treats, so the mom handed one to each member.
In just a few moments, the youngest one coughed.
There was one single cough, but the mom knew something was off. So, she instantly got up and started scanning the child’s body for any swelling or symptoms—eyes, skin, breath—everything.
Within a few minutes, she noticed a small hive forming on her son’s cheek. Trying not to create panic in the house, she calmly addressed the problem to her husband. They took away the treat, washed his hands, gave him an EpiPen and an anti-allergen, and quickly called the hospital.
In an hour, the boy’s condition worsened. He started vomiting, was covered in hives, and could hardly breathe. Not just this, his lips turned blue.
Probably it was high time to give their son multiple EpiPen shots and medicines, and to go to the hospital in an emergency.
Upon reaching, the doctor assured them that their child would be okay.
The mother had penned down the account while her baby was asleep beside her with an IV in his arm and while he was wrapped in his favourite blanket. The doctors and hospital staff keep telling her to move out to eat and get rest, but mothers know best when their babies need them and what exactly they need.
She is his voice, his protector.
She wrote an account of this event to spread awareness of the many things parents go through silently—the panic behind the labelling and the heartbreak when their child can’t have his birthday cake.
This is also a reminder for the parents not to ignore a single cough of the children; things could’ve turned out worse because of ignorance.
It’s nothing but a life of survival. Inconveniences are a routine; nothing is predictable.
Parents with time can also become warriors. Warriors who fight for the world to keep their kids alive!
