Shellfish

My parents always loved seafood (especially shrimp), and I used to love it too when I was younger. It was our favorite food to eat in special dates, as birthdays, Christmas, or New year’s celebrations. It was more than just food for us, it meant family connection, affection, and our love for each other. For them, it means connection to their origins, and deep connection with their culture.

However, even though I always loved it, as I grew up, I started to notice that every time I ate shellfishes, my throat felt scratchy. In the beginning, I thought that it had another reason, as the flu, or another disease, but not something serious, because it was not super uncomfortable. As the time progressed, I realized that it only happened when I ate shellfish. Also, the symptoms were more pronounced, as fast heart rate (tachycardia), and difficulty breathing (but not enough to be extremely dangerous). At this point, my parents were aware of my situation, and they decided to take me to the doctor for an examination (allergy test), and officially I was diagnosed with shellfish allergy.

Since I got my diagnosis, our celebrations changed a little bit, but it still feels as amazing as before. Now, my mother always prepares a different meal, without shellfish, specially for me.