I’ll never forget the day.

L: “Jennifer, this is L.” (daycare center director – the head lady)

Me: “Yes?” (OK, something’s weird here.  L never calls.)

L: “I’m here with D.  Has he ever had an allergic reaction before?”

Me: “What kind of allergic reaction?”

L: “To food.  I’m here with T.” (on-site security; teaches first aid and CPR).

Me: “No.  Why?”

L: “D’s having some sort of allergic reaction.  He’s broken out into hives.”

Me: “Are you sure it’s not eczema?  He gets really bad outbreaks that probably look like hives.”

L: “No.  I don’t think so.  The hives are all over his body.  He’s projectile vomiting, and he’s wheezing.  Are you at work? Can you come over?”

Me: “No, not today.  I’m working from home.  It’d take me some time to get there.  What did he eat?”  (What?  What is going on?)

L: “He just had formula and rice cereal.  (Me: He’s had both of those multiple times before; clearly,  he is not having an allergic reaction.)  OK, I’m going to call First Response to come check on him.  I’ll call you back.”

Me : (What?  Are they totally overreacting here?  This is ridiculous.  They probably just want to make sure.)

5 minutes later…

L: “Jennifer?  First Response is here.  We need to take D immediately to the hospital.”  (Me: What?  Oh no, oh no.  This can’t be happening.  This is for real.  OK, OK.  OMG.)  I’m going to ride with him in the ambulance.  How far away are you?”

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