Dear Weary Moms of Kids with Food Allergies

I was hangin’ at the park today with some of my favorite homeschooling moms, and chatting with a friend whose daughter is going through some health challenges right now. She’s not the only one I know of who is struggling to care for a child with food sensitivities, it seems that the more moms I connect with, the more I realize just how many kiddos are suffering. 

As I drove home this afternoon, my heart was burdened for her. And not just for her, but for all you moms who wake up and battle another day of food prep, worry for your children, more food prep, and more worry. This, friends, is for you. 

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Dear Weary Moms of Kids with Food Allergies 

Wake up in the morning, another day begun.
Breakfast, chores and laundry, what happened to the fun?
Breakfast it ain’t easy, almond milk or soy?
Cuz dairy just ain’t happenin’, maybe bone broth for your boy?

Off to school he goes, but watch what’s in his lunch,
Cuz rashes, hives and stomach pain just aren’t worth the punch.
The other kids, they just don’t get why donuts aren’t ok.
They laugh and point and whisper as he shyly walks away.

He just wants to be “normal,” to eat cookies, cake and pie.
But when it’s a class party day, he kind of wants to die.
As his very closest friend asks if he wants to take a bite,
Your son, he has to say, “I can’t, it has egg whites.” 

At 3:00, he saunters in, with sadness in his eyes.
“Mom,” he says, “I can’t handle this,” looks at his feet, and cries.
And that’s when you, mom, step right in with the magic that you do.
Your son, he looks you in the eyes, and you can read his queue. 

You crouch right down and pull him in and squeeze him oh so tight.
And tell him “Son, you’ll be ok, everything will be all right.” 
You tell him that you’ve got his back and his strength makes you so proud.
You tell him you have a treat for him, one that he’s allowed.

You take him to the kitchen, where there’s cookies, cake and pie.
And you tell him how you worked all day to make things he would like.
Each little treat, prepared with love, for the boy who stole your heart,
It’s like you gave him the very best: it’s like a brand new start.

See mom, each day, you do a miracle, you Superwoman you.
You fight a different battle than so many of us do.
You label read and advocate for your little mini-me,
And help your kid be the very best that he was meant to be.

You may look in the mirror tomorrow and see all of your faults,
But I am here to tell you to stop the self-assault.
You are a mighty warrior, a strong and powerful force.
Stand strong, stand firm, my friend, stay straight on this tough course.

You are loved, you are adored, you are a daughter of the King.
And when God sees you love your son, it makes the angels sing.
So lean on Him, my friend, for He will give you strength,
And He will sustain your every move, and will stop at no great lengths.

Just know that you are not alone, you have a help in Him.
And when you feel you’re about to sink, just ask, He’ll help you swim.
The days are long, I know, and it seems it’ll never end. 
But one day Jesus’ll look at you and say, “Well done, my dear sweet friend!”

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 Hang in there, mama! You are incredible!!