read this. you might save a life.

You're at 35,000 feet somewhere between the east and west coasts when your child's face is suddenly covered in hives and he begins to scream bloody murder. What do you do? Well, if you think the easy answer is run to the back of the plane for help from the flight crew you are sadly mistaken. Because what happened to one of my dear friends two days ago will make any mother cry.

They were in route from Boston to San Francisco. Dad, Mom & two kids, six and nine years of age, were traveling home from a busy weekend with family when Mom looked at her son's slightly spotty face. Huh, she thought, we must have been having so much fun we forgot to wash his face! If only. It was about 40 minutes later when her terror began. Her son was covered in hives and was in a complete panic (and this kid DOES NOT PANIC). When they rushed him to the back of the plane the crew was "clueless". They had no benadryl and no epi-pen. They did, however have epinephrine but it needed to be administered via IV. And guess what they didn't have. You got it.

For fear of their son's life the parents insisted the crew get on the intercom and ask for a doctor. Which luckily, they found. They were also able to locate a passenger on board that had adult benadryl with them. Their six year old child was then quickly instructed to swallow the first adult size pill of his life in order to, quite possibly, save his life. He was a rock star and downed it instantly.

Upon consultation with a Pediatrician on the ground, the plane was diverted to the nearest airport and met with an ambulance. The boy is fine. Physically that is. After hearing so many people in such close quarters debate whether or not he was going to die, he's a little shaken up still. Can't say I blame him.

So, the moral of my story today is a simple one. Don't leave home without benadryl. Please. It comes in many forms. Liquid (which you can't bring on a plane) chewables, fast melting tablets, & dissolving gel. Bring one of each. Seriously. If your child doesn't need it someone else's might.