The “r” word
I had a great “girls” weekend with three great friends. We talked, shopped, laughed and had a great time and best of all; I learned a lesson that I hope stays with me for a long time.
I was telling a silly story and trying to be funny and I used the “r” word to describe something goofy that I had done. My friend Tracy was appalled and told me that she couldn’t believe that I was using that derogatory term.
I was embarrassed and agreed that I'd be more careful, yet, I used that same word at least two or three more that same weekend. By the fourth time, I stopped myself and I've pledged to stop using the "r" words forever.
Sometimes, we allergy parents get upset when people don't "get" food allergies. How could they be so stupid as to cut the apple pie with the knife that cut the pecan pie? Or how could they have a bowl of peanuts out as our allergic toddler roams around the room?
In many cases, it's the same as my cavalier use of the "r" word. I didn't mean any harm but what I did was harmful. Even after I was reminded, I still slipped up. It took a little while, but it wasn't because I didn't care. It was because it was new to me and I had never really looked at the issue like my friend, who has an adorable niece with Down syndrome.
It helps to realize that we all have our problems and we're all connected.
Words do matter.
Pledge to stop saying the "r" words.
I’m proud to say that AllergyMoms.com is R-word free!
October 26, 2009 @ 9:17 pm
I used to say that word too….all the time. Then this past Spring a new friend called me out on it and I realized that it was not okay. It’s been quite a while since I said it and there are times that I feel like I might, but I try to think before I speak now. Way to go being “R-word free!”
October 28, 2009 @ 7:52 am
It took me till the second to last sentence to figure out what you were referring to! Perhaps I don’t follow this blog often enough but wow. In the end I agree that we should all stop saying it.and people should figure out how huge food allergies are. there is little that is more frustrating to me as a celiac!
October 28, 2009 @ 11:47 pm
I used to say that word too….
October 31, 2009 @ 12:30 am
Great post. I still let this word slip once in awhile and I fell horrible about it. Especially when it slips w/my children around. I definetly thing is a child of the “80’s” thing …. thank you for the reminder.
November 9, 2009 @ 5:06 pm
Gina, thanks for this reminder. You are right, we expect the general public to “get” food allergies and the severity. We, in turn, need to be more conscious of other’s issues and “walk a mile in their shoes” too. Thanks!
Jamie Stern