Today is Thanksgiving. I like Thanksgiving.
Everything I’m taking to the big family get-together is ready except for the mashed potatoes. As I sat here, drinking my coffee and waiting for the potatoes to boil, I realized something.
I love being around family. They’re interesting, fun, and enjoyable. But Thanksgiving is a bit of a pain.
First there’s the perfume issue. Even though everyone in my family knows I’m extremely sensitive to fragrances, someone will ‘forget’ and wear cologne, aftershave, or perfume. Then there will be the ones that wash their clothing in scented detergent (that really does a number on me).
The result will be sapped energy and a foggy brain. Depending on the amount, I might have an asthma attack.
Or at least, that’s how it’s been every holiday get-together for the past 25 years. I remember leaving the table one year to cry in private. Several people were wearing scent that year and I couldn’t get away from it. I couldn’t breath. At all.
It’s funny, I’ve never realized it before, but most of my extended family don’t really know me. They can’t. They’ve only seen the damped down version. What I become when my body and brain have been sabotaged by a plethora of unnecessary chemicals that some people think smell yummy.
Oh. And then there’s the food. Let’s cut to the chase. I have food allergies. Lots of them. Potlucks are a nightmare for me.
Nuts = migraine
Sugar = anger and depression
Dairy = asthma and stomach ache
Gluten = stomach ache, weird skin patches, and a feeling of malaise
Garlic = huge stomach ache
Onions = huge stomach ache
I could go on, because there’s quite a bit more, but you get the picture.
Hmm. Why DO I like Thanksgiving?
Oh, yeah. I enjoy family. I’m willing to put up with a lot of discomfort for family time.
I hope you enjoy your time with your family and friends, too.
HAPPY THANKSGIVING!
Update: Three people wore heavy fragrance. I sat by an open window throughout the meal and was okay. But after the meal everyone congregated in the living room, a smaller space, and I had trouble walking through the perfume force field that formed at the doorway.
Nice to know family cares. Right?
Sorry if that comes off as snarky, but I have this weird thing where I like to be able to breath.