Teens X 2 - Memory 3

In a few days, my middle man, Riley Lance will be 13 years old. I blinked and my rambunctious boy has become a teenager. Join me over the next several days in a walk down Riley's memory lane as we lead up to this special birthday... 

I failed to mention in my previous "Riley" blog that although he had serious stinker tendencies, he was also sweeter than sweet.  He knew how to turn on the charm and make this mama's heart melt!  We soon discovered Riley had a few more serious problems than his stubborn mean streak.  Grandma Widener came to Jackson for a visit, and I took her to my favorite downtown restaurant.  It was a quaint, little, hole in the wall place that had the yummiest chess squares in the world!  I realized that I did not have any baby food with me, so I asked for a peanut butter and jelly sandwich.  My little guy was only 9 months old so I tore off a few teeny tiny bite size pieces for him to snack on while we enjoyed our lunch.  On the way home, I noticed that Riley was coughing.  Upon closer inspection I realized his skin was getting rashy and his face was starting to swell.  I still had no idea what was happening.  We were completely unfamiliar with food allergies. 

Mom and I were growing more concerned by the minute.  By the time we arrived home, all of Riley's symptoms had worsened.  I thought perhaps he had gotten a cleaning product from the restaurant on his skin, so I put him in the bathtub.  I then realized that all of his little body was swelling to unrecognizable proportions so off to the ER we went!  We soon found out that peanut butter was the evil culprit.  This began a series of tests in which we found out that Riley was allergic to several other foods.  We also began carrying epi-pens and benadryl with us everywhere and still do today.  Thankfully, Riley outgrew the majority of his food allergies, but not peanuts or other tree nuts. 

Later, in 3rd grade, Riley began having more rashes around his mouth with swelling and numbing in his throat.  We found out that he had developed an allergy to all soy products, and peas.  Food allergies are a very scary thing, and they have caused much fear in Riley's life.  It has gotten harder as Riley has gotten older.  He is often away from me socially with friends.  However, I am thankful that the Lord has His hand upon Riley and can be with him even when I am not!  The Lord promised that He would build a hedge around Riley, and in Him I put my trust!

 

This picture was taken three days after Riley's first allergic reaction.  Mom and I were so shaken up that we didn't think to take any pictures before that.  My sweet baby boy. 

"But let all who take refuge in you be glad...

Spread your protection over them,

that those who love your name

may rejoice in you."  

Psalms 5:11 NIV