Our little Cate is suffering from several allergies. We recently had her tested and it turns out she is allergic to cats (which we knew) and dogs (which we didn’t) and dust mites (do you blame her?). “I’m allergic to all my favorite pets!” she moaned.
“You like dust mites for a pet?” Jem retorted.
She is also severely allergic to certain tree pollens and has been known to blow up like a balloon after sniffing flowers and rubbing pretty leaves across her face.
Poor sweetie.
We are slowly implementing a variety of household changes. We can’t get rid of Ellie of the Dog—heaven forbid we’d get rid of Ellie the Dog—but we can keep her out of Cate’s bedroom, (not a problem, since going upstairs is a special treat for Ellie), and we can treat her with Allerpet.
Ellie, that is. Not Cate.
We need to dust more, vacuum more, do laundry more, clean more. Good thing that’s my strong suit! (Ha.) We also need to stay on top of Cate’s allergy medication, because when we don’t she really suffers.
Jem has been watching these allergic reactions unfold with one eyebrow raised. He is not convinced, I don’t think, that the problem is as bad as all that—a result of being closest to Cate in age and as such, a bit competitive.
They’re siblings. This is normal.
Yesterday, when I brought out the watercolors for a lesson on the “wet into wet” technique, Cate opted to stay on the couch (where she had been all morning) and watch rather than participate. Her muscles were sore and it hurt to sit up.
Seeing a second lesson unfold before me, I commented on her decision to Jem. “You know that she loves art,” I said. “She must really feel bad if she’s willing to miss it.”
Again, the eyebrow went up. I could tell that he was thinking hard and a few minutes later he drew me aside. “Do you think,” he whispered into my ear, “That I could set up a space for her to paint at the couch?”
I froze. This was way outside my comfort zone.
“I’d cover everything with newspaper!” he promised. “Please, Mom?”
I knew that I needed to agree to this request—more importantly, though, I knew that Jem needed me to agree. Like most moments of grace, it came unexpectedly and I needed just to yield.
I did, and it was worth it.
(I think! : )
AMDG,
Ed. Note: Wouldn’t you know that Cate did indeed overturn the paint tray? And wouldn’t you know that it landed neatly on the newspaper spread out below? God is good and so is grace.
Such a nice brother! It was good that you allowed that act of kindness — he’ll remember how good that felt.
We have lots of allergy sufferers in our home — some with the fatal kind. I can sympathize with you, and with poor Cate.
That is a wonderful story. Thanks for sharing it. (well, OK, not a story, but event, I guess.)
What a sweet boy. And what a great mom.
Thanks for sharing this beautiful moment of grace working in all of you. A good reminder for me to stop and open my eyes.
Prayers for poor Cate!
I love this! Great kids and God is good!!
Margret,
My son has severe dust allergies and asthma and his doctor recommended that we get a Dyson vacuum. The previous had owners had several pets as well so he thought the pet dander may have been bothering him as well. We picked up the Dyson “Animal” vacuum and it’s the best purchase we’ve ever made! We had our carpets cleaned a week prior to picking up the vacuum by a well known company and if you could have seen the dirt/dust I picked up afterwards you would be amazed!
I kid you not. They are expensive and I truly couldn’t believe that
“people” would actually spend that amount of money of a vaccum, but now I’m a believer.
If you have a Bed Bath and Beyond near you, you can use the 20% off coupon for your purchase.
Kate
Thank you, Kate! I appreciate any and all recommendations.
Oh, that sweet boy!!! I’d be like you, take a deep breath and then have to give in!!
Great story.
We just purchased vacuums from a “Vacuum store” and they had Dyson’s there and said they only have them in their stores because people ask for them, but they are not good and don’t last very long. They may work in the beginning, but if it lasts less than a year, it’s not worth it…check out a vacuum store before purchasing.
Just sayin’!
I have had my dyson for more than 6 years and it is still the best vacuum ever! just my 2 cents. oh, and I am allergic to cats (we have an indoor cat) and I rarely have to take medicine anymore.
I forgot to mention the Dyson when I emailed you earlier, too! We have one and it is PHENOMENAL! It’s a workhorse. We’ve had ours for at least 7 years and it still works like a champ.
Your girlies were a delight today! They behaved SOOOO well. Thank you for sharing them with us.
Sent email. I love you.
I always vacuum first thing in the morning so the dust can settle by night for my allergy sufferers otherwise they can’t sleep.
Cute story!
Oh poor Cate :(. She has my heartfelt sympathy. I was allergic to just about any type of animal dust as a child, and lived on a farm. Not good. Hopefully she will outgrow the worst of it – my allergies are definitely better as an adult.
So fun to paint; I’m glad the spill did no damage.
FYI..I love that quote in the corner of your blog.
How sweet of Jem!
And glad to see the Pioneer Press there 😀
What a precious story! Such a good brother!
I have one girl with pretty bad allergies, esp. environmental allergies like you girl’s. She also has some food ones. It is hard to see her suffer, but it’s amazing how she accepts it and doesn’t complain. (I need to learn from her!) God bless your little Cate … and all kids with allergies, as Spring can be really hard on them.