When we got to McDonald's we debated for a minute on whether or not to strip Benjamin's hamburger of its bun and deny him the delight of ketchup for his fries. We have been extremely diligent about his diet lately and he has not had any reactions for awhile. Based on this, and the fact that the amounts of corn syrup in a hamburger bun and 1/2 tablespoon of ketchup are most likely extremely small, we decided not to make a big issue of it. Our McDonald's trip passed without incident.
After dinner this evening Benjamin was seized with a sudden and severe case of stomach cramps. He laid down in the living room and the next thing we knew he was moaning, crying, writhing, and screaming in pain. I took him to sit on the potty which, suffice to say, produced results which relieved his symptoms entirely. Knowing I hadn't fed him anything taboo for dinner, I concluded that the reaction was a result of the earlier indulgence we allowed him. Obviously I concluded that we would not be able to take such risks in the future.
Wanting him to connect the pain he had just experienced with the cause to help him accept what we would have to deny him in the future, I took him on my lap and said,
"Benj, do you remember the bun you had on your hamburger and the ketchup you ate with your fries this afternoon?"
"Yes."
"Well those had a little bit of corn in them. Mommy and Daddy thought it would be ok, but I think that's what made you feel so sick a few minutes ago."
Looking at me with great big, serious eyes he said, "Mommy! You shouldn't do that to me!"
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5 comments:
Oh my goodness. How precious. And heart rending.
Doesn't that just kill you? The whole food allergy thing make being a parent so much more difficult. Poor little guy!
I feel like I should say that I posted this because it was HILARIOUS! to me. OK, and I cried a tiny bit too (through my laughter). After I stopped laughing I explained to him that I never, ever, ever would have let him have those things if I knew what would happen. Poor, sweet boy!
I love that Boy and his serious side....I just wanted to laugh... when he said..."mom, are you sure I can eat this?" on the campout ...this little man has learned the lessons of opportunity cost and delayed gratification about 2 decades before so many of his pears...little wise man ;)
You have a very sweet, special, and wise son! Apparently part of his special-ness is having allergies, and God is giving you, and will continue to give you the patience,strength, and grace to deal with it. This is one of the reasons we keep praying for all of you.
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