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?”

Me: (Tears. Panic.  Is D going to be OK?): “I’m on my way but I’m still probably 20 minutes away.”

L: “OK, meet us there.  We’re going to the hospital.  I’ll keep you posted along the way.  Are you sure you can drive?”

Me: (Head cloudy, fuzzy.  What’s going on?  Is this happening?  Must call husband.)  M, something’s going on with D.  Daycare called; he’s having some sort of allergic reaction. They had to call 911.  They’re taking him to the hospital.  (tears, tears)

M: What?  OK, what can I do?  Class is just about to end in 10 minutes.  Let me finish, and I’ll get a sub.  Where are they taking him?  I’ll leave in 10 minutes. It’ll be alright honey.  It’ll be OK.

Me: OK.  I love you.  I’m on my way.  What if something happens to him?

L: Jennifer?  They’ve stabilized D so we’re going to move him.  They didn’t want to leave the parking lot until he was stabilized so we’re on our way to the hospital now.  Where are you?

Me: OK, thanks for the update.  I’m still about 15 minutes away.

15 minutes later walking up to the hospital…

Me: (My son could have died.  My son could have died.  OMG.  What would we do if D died?)