Oh my goodness! It has been waaaaay too long since my last post (not the way to gather a following, that's for sure!). I have started (and will eventually finish) several posts in the last 6 weeks but things have been hectic. We went through a solid two week stretch of time where everyone was sick. We had a whole mix of illnesses going on - strep, bronchitis, sinus infection, cold. OIY!!! Thankfully, we are all back to normal and the kids and I have been getting back into our routine.
My mom has been visiting the last week which has been wonderful. It's great to see the kids play and interact with Nana, and it's nice to get a break and regular adult interaction!
Since today was my mom's last full day here, Bruce and I made plans for a date night. My mom offered to hang out with the kids in the afternoon so I could have some "me time". I was in desperate need of a pedicure, so I decided to hit the nail salon in the mall. I had been there once before - 4 days before my C-section with Michael. I almost gave everyone there a heart attack when they asked when I was due and my response was "Wednesday".
I was sitting in the chair, enjoying my pedicure and watching a movie on my ipod. I had one ear bud in and one out so I could hear the guy if needed. About 2/3 of the way through my pedi, I became aware of some commotion on the other side of the salon. I vaguely heard the woman next to me saying something about irritating someone's eye and needing to get it checked by a doctor. I started paying more attention when I heard "do you need us to call 911?" I decided I should turn off the ipod and see what was going on. What I was able to put together was that a woman had gotten something in her eye and then it was still irritated and she was not feeling well. Someone else called 911 and the woman next to me went across the hall to get security. Next thing I know, the woman is pulling an epi-pen out of her purse and trying to get someone to give it to her. The several employees and few other customers were looking scared and saying they didn't know how to use it. Next thing I know, I hear someone say "My daughter has an epi-pen. I know how to use it". I then realized the words had come out of my own mouth!! I got out of the massage chair and very carefully walked across the salon with my soaking wet feet (no need for 2 ambulances!!). Just to be safe, I asked the woman if she needed me to give the epi-pen and she said yes.
I should insert an aside here and admit that while I am well aware of how to administer an epi-pen and have used the practice one several times - on myself, my friend, and Bruce - I have never actually administered one to a person in need. I decided this was information that did not need to be shared in the moment...
I gave the woman her epi-pen and we saw almost immediate results. She was even able to thank me. Shortly after, the paramedics arrived and took over. In the midst of everything, I was given several "thank God you were here", "It's a good thing you knew how to use that", etc. The woman left with the paramedics, but was walking/breathing/seemed to be okay. We concluded that she most likely had some sort of reaction to the adhesive glue on the fake eyelashes she was getting. (Good thing Izzy has her daddy's gorgeous eye lashes and no need for fake ones EVER!!).
When I texted my mom to tell her the craziness, her response was "only you" which is pretty typical for my life. I am definitely one of the "if something ridiculous and unbelievable can happen, it will happen to me" sort of people (another blog for another day...).
Even though my relaxing afternoon turned out a lot more crazy than I expected, I was glad that I could help someone in need. And as selfish and horrible as it sounds, I was also kind of relieved that my first epi-pen stick did not have to be on Izzy. The sad reality of having a child with food allergies is that it most likely isn't "if" I ever have to stab her, but "when". At least I can now have confidence in my ability to do so properly. And I pray that if Izzy is ever in a similar situation, a random stranger is willing and capable to help her out as well!
I should also give credit to the several other random strangers who were willing to help in whatever capacity they were able. It always restores my faith in humanity a little when I see people being selflessly kind to one another.
