For Those Who Arrived in Holland

I remember the day I got the call from the doctor about all of the foods one of my sons was allergic to at the time. The list was extremely long and I didn't even know where to start. We were actually in a hotel in New Mexico while my husband was doing work there at the military base. I literally almost dropped the phone. I thought I'd stop breathing and probably did for a moment. I had been waiting for this call for a few days and the results were far scarier than I imagined.

I knew he was allergic to some things after already experiencing anaphylaxis with some of the new foods he tried as an infant. His eczema was so severe that he had blisters from head to toe. I was still nursing him at the time and realized I had to cut out all of those things from my diet as well. I didn't know where to start or what to do. I had fallen to my knees in desperation for help. Little did I know that I had entered in to Holland.  

Even though this was nearly five years ago and we have since had a daughter experiencing the same issues, I have learned so much. I bought books, read articles online, talked with other people, and learned a whole new way to cook. Even the market for gluten free, dairy free, nut free, and so on has grown tremendously helping us out quite a bit. 

This journey has been difficult at times but so wonderful too. Our family has learned so much about ourselves, other people, and it has even brought us closer to God. When we entered into Holland, we found a beauty there. Our children who have not suffered from any of it have learned to have a bigger heart towards those with medical needs. The two that do suffer from it daily have shown a bravery bigger than I could ever imagine. This journey has had some pretty rough points but amazing happenings as well. Though I only hope they will be cured someday, I see the world differently since we stepped foot into Holland.