Dear Seasonal Allergies,

You think that you know me, that you can predict my every move. You make me believe that this life is as good as it’s going to get, and that you are always going to be a part of it. Because of you, I can’t be fulfilled, and I too often feel numb to my own senses. It’s like you’re always in the back of my head, trapping me in my own paranoia, that you’ll show up anywhere I go. I try to cover you up with sprays and drops, but that almost seems to anger you more. Why do you strip me of my own feelings, my own senses? Why does something as beautiful as the springtime come accompanied with something as ugly as you? Why does something that makes me feel such constant pressure and congestion have such an understated name such as allergies?

You are my utmost weakness, the bane of my existence. I have to avoid some of life’s biggest pleasures because of what you do to me. I can’t smell the sweet scent of freshly cut grass because it irritates you. I can’t taste the flavor of most foods because you take that away from me. I dread the beginning of the summer season because I know that you are following right behind with a devilish grin. When most people look forward to the warm weather months, I hide with the fear of what is yet to come. In my life, your havoc begins to wreak just as the thermostat begins to climb.

All I want is to be able to sit amongst the flowers, stroking the velvety petals that lay so gently on top of each other in perfect uniform. But I can’t without the painful tingling in my nose and the uncontrollable sneezing. I want to feel the sleek blades of grass tickle my bare feet as I grind my toes into the cool earth. But I can’t without it being followed by unbearable, inflamed spots on my skin that come with an aching itch. I want to breathe in the new air; so flavorful like a fresh bag of herbal tea, yet so pure that you nearly feel it run through your veins. But I can’t without the threat of all of my air passageways swelling shut, leaving me to my tragic fate. Why, oh, why was I given this burden? What did I do to deserve this annual suffering that keeps me from enjoying the finest things in this small life?

But I am not alone, and you cannot stop me, Allergies. I’ve found a new partner. I’ve found the answer to my prayers, my guardian angel. I’ve learned the way to lift the cloud above my life and suppress the storm that controlled me. Now, with Antihistamines, I

can feel the flowers, I can smell the air. I can go on amongst my day without thinking that you might be following me around any corner. Because without you, I can be fulfilled… or at least until the package runs out.

Sincerely,

Your annual victim