BANANAS

About 12 years ago 

I had an allergic reaction 

when eating a banana. 

I had never had a problem before that.

 The banana was the only thing

 I had eaten, so there was no question 

that the reaction had come from the fruit. 

It had taken three Benadryl  pills 

to calm the reaction. 

I also had similar reactions to avocado 

and fish in that time frame. 

So, I just avoided those things 

from there forward. 

It was so scary and sad.

  

Recently however, 

I had yogurt for breakfast while on a trip. 

The first bite told me 

"This isn't strawberry yogurt, 

this is strawberry banana!"

 So I quickly 

read the ingredient list. 

It was a good brand of yogurt, 

so I was sad to learn it had real bananas 

and not just banana flavoring in it. 

At that point, 

I tossed out the yogurt. 

Then I waited to see 

if there would be any repercussions. 

I always keep several 

Benadryl pills with me at all times, 

just in case I ever have 

another scary reaction. 

But nothing happened! 

In talking to my daughter a while later, 

I told her of this happening. 

(She panicked, 

she had been with me the day 

the banana tried to kill me, 

it was scary for her as well.)

I told her that I was going to give 

the yellow fruit another try. 

She made me promise 

that I wouldn't try consuming one 

while I was alone. 

Just the other night 

I was having dinner with friends,

when I noticed bananas on the counter. 

I asked if I could have one,
 then I put it on my plate. 

My friend Kim saw me do this thing, 

and knowing of this scary banana allergy, 
questioned my logic. 

I told her the new development, 

and produced two pink Benadryl pills

 from my wallet.

 I had the first tiny taste,

I waited several minutes 

to see if there would be any reaction. 

And there wasn't! 
So, I had some more. 

Then some more!

It took me about an hour 

to finish that banana, 

but I wanted to make sure 

there was no allergic reaction. 

I am pleased to report that all went well. 

I had no negative reaction 

to the delightful tropical fruit! 

I can't tell you how delicious it was, 

like tasting one for the first time. 

It was so amazingly yummy! 

Bananas are now on my grocery list! 

I also think I will pick up some 

salmon and an avocado just to try! 

I am very excited!