A True Friend

The other day I offered Daniel some Halloween M&M's to put in his lunch. I explained, though they were not Peanut M&M's, it said on the package -- they may contain nuts. This meant, if he took them -- he could not sit with Scott at the "Nut-free" table. 

Scott is Daniel's best-friend at school. Scott is extremely allergic to ALL nuts. Daniel is allergic to cashews (and we tend to stay away from tree-nuts). Scott and Daniel became best buddies and the two of them really look out for each other. Daniel does not have to sit with Scott at the Nut-free table -- but he always does. He doesn't want Scott to be alone. 

I have seen the two of them after school, running away and screaming (like the kid from the Home Alone movie -- high knees, and flailing arms ) after someone offered them trail-mix -- with nuts. Daniel said, "Quick Scott, RUN!!!" Off they go. Apparently, Scott's allergies to nuts are life-threatening. It is the same for Daniel and Cashews. Sometimes when we walk past the "nut" isle in Costco we say, "Watch out Daniel! It is your worst enemy! Not a sword, gun, bow and arrow -- piddly things! But a Cashew -- instant death!" Seeing the Costco-sized container can be a bit overwhelming for him! 

So, finding Scott as a friend has been really great. The two of them understand one another. I know Scott's parents are very concerned about him, (It is AMAZING how many things have nuts!) they sent a letter home from school explaining his allergy. Scott is a sweet little boy. He is always very polite to me, and he asks the cutest questions. The other day he came up to me and asked, "Is your baby allergic to Craisins?" (He had a bag in his hand). I said, "Nope." and he offered some to William. It was a question only one familiar with allergies would ask. 

Scott is often declaring that he and Daniel are best friends -- Daniel declares the same. 

So, back to the M&M's and Daniel. I offered them to him, explained the maybe-nut thing, and though it must have been, at least, a little tempting, (chocolate . . . yummy!) he said, "No way! Then I couldn't sit by Scott!" It wasn't even an option. Daniel is a true friend. He picked loyalty over chocolate -- now that is friendship! 

So, all is well. My only real concern is the name of the table . . . they are young now, but, being, "Nut-free" may not be so hip to the boys in a few years! ;-) wink!