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Dear Fellow Allergy Sufferer,
Having just returned from a trip to Chicago
to visit my in-laws, I have an interesting
Christmas dinner story to share. My in-laws are
the best, some of the sweetest people in my
life. They are also cat lovers. We love going to
visit because we don’t get to see them often, we
get to see the rest of the family and there is
usually snow on the ground for the kids to play
in.
This year my mother-in-law insisted on having
Christmas dinner at her house for 23 people. I have
been to her house in years past and noted having
severe allergy problems because of their cats.
My wife and I discussed the matter beforehand
and she put no pressure on me to attend. Not
wanting to be left out, I attended. I prepared
beforehand by taking my nasal steroid and my
antihistamine / decongestant about 2 hours
before we went over for dinner.
I lasted all of 20 minutes. I had a mask in my
pocket as a last resort but I didn’t feel
comfortable putting it on. I had to leave as
everyone was seated for dinner. I missed after
dinner conversation and present opening. I’ve
never had an allergic reaction as bad as the one
I had that evening at their house. I left
wheezing and coughing. I know I am allergic to
cats. They have 3 cats that stay indoors all the
time.
My mother-in-law and I spoke the next day when
we were out for breakfast and we made sure that
each others feelings were not hurt and that each
of us understood the situation. We did and we
do. We communicated, which is the point of this
story. They understand that I am severely
allergic to cats and I understand that my
mother-in-law really values having all her kids
and their families back to her house for
Christmas dinner.
Next year I’ll request a to go plate,
Breathe Better, |
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