Unexpected Events

These are my babies, Evan and Hallie. I love them very much.

Early this morning, around 1 a.m., I had an allergic reaction to something. I have been plagued by this most of my life. I take a deep breath outside and suck in some unknown particle and WHAM! My face swells up and I look a bit like Shrek. Or I eat a hamburger, with a soy filler, and I get the giant fat lip. Last nights reaction was just as fast and seemingly unwarranted.

I was awakened by a nauseating feeling in my throat and neck. I got up and was trying to look at my throat, in the blinding glare of the bathroom light. Squinting hard, I couldn't tell what the heck was going on. Then, my neck, chest, arms, and trunk of my body started breaking out in hives. I turned brilliant red. My throat began closing, tongue swelling blocking air and making it difficult to speak. I tried to take a Benedryl to calm the symptoms, but my body violently rejected this.

I live with my Mom, and I felt terrible waking her up to take me to the emergency room. On retrospect, I'll opt for an ambulance if this occurs again. Anyway, Mom gets up and drives me to the hospital. My care was very good. After a couple of shots and a few hours resting, I was released and sent home to sleep off the drugs. This morning, I am clear of rashes and swelling.

As traumatic as this experience sounds, it was nothing compared to what I heard while in the hospital.

This is Senior Week (more like month) in Ocean City. High School seniors swarm to the beaches for a week of sun and fun, celebrating the completion of their high school education. They come in droves! There are always sad stories associated with this visitation by young adults. This year will prove no different.

There are drug busts, the underaged attempting to get into bars with false ID's, jaywalking, jumping off of beach house balconies, usual childish pranks. And there are deaths.

There were 4 young adults in emergency care when I arrived at the hospital. At least one did not live. I know this because I could see and hear the arrival of parents and family. And the horrifying muffled sounds of a doctors voice, followed by skin crawling, hair raising, "nooooo," accompanied by heart wrenching sobs.

What a sad end to a young life.

Parents let your children read this and remind them that accidents happen. Don't tempt fate. Be conservative and stay alive. That Mothers cry remains with me now. She was devastated. The Father was stoically silent, eyes reddened, willing himself to remain strong for the family. Hearts broken.

So while I re-cooperate from this allergic reaction today I give thanks for all I have. For the fact that my children, ages 25 and 27, made it through the teen years. For the home I have with my Mom. For my family and their support. And for the ability to breathe.

Breathe deeply. Give thanks and praises. Play smart. Life is a gift. Don't toss it away lightly for a moments thrill.