Morgan Klachefsky, a resident of Winnipeg, shares her experience in this personal account. To explore more of CBC’s First Person narratives, visit the FAQ.
One ordinary day when my son Simon was just a year and a half old, I casually handed him a cashew. Little did I know that within an hour, we would be rushing him to the Winnipeg HSC Children’s Emergency Department as his face swelled up.
In a chaotic scene, a doctor quickly assessed Simon’s condition, confirming that he was experiencing an anaphylactic reaction due to a severe cashew and pistachio allergy.
Leaving the hospital that day, a part of me remained behind — the part that had never fathomed the possibility of losing my child to a food allergy, the part that grappled with the weight of safeguarding him for the rest of his life.
Desire for Control
Realizing the inevitability of Simon’s allergies, I committed myself to minimizing his exposure to allergens as much as possible.
I delved into educating myself and those involved in Simon’s care, attending classes with my husband, Job, on handling anaphylactic allergies. However, the more knowledgeable and prepared I became, the more overwhelmed I felt. Fear began to dominate my actions, hindering me from entrusting Simon’s well-being to anyone other than us.
The thought of letting him attend social gatherings without our presence seemed inconceivable. Even simple playdates or birthday parties required our supervision. Sleepovers were a distant hope.
Adapting Strategies
As Simon blossomed into a spirited child brimming with zest for life, his courage gradually influenced me. His resilience instilled in me the determination to address not his allergies, which we acknowledged would persist, but my mental well-being.
Recognizing the decline in my mental health, I embarked on a journey of self-impro