The Little Girl Who Cried Over Fish

I was a very picky eater. So much, in fact, that my sister and her friend made a game out of dinner time; could I swallow each bite without making a sour face? I was known for sitting at the table well after the others had finished dinner, stubbornly refusing to eat. My parents tried the timer trick, and I went without dinner more than once.

One time, I was forced required to finish a plate of salmon and went into such hysterics that the fish swam upstream soon after I had choked it down. Actually, this happened twice. Thankfully by the third salmon-eating experience, I had matured at least a little. I ate it without overdramatizing the situation (though I'm sure I still complained! Yikes!). I was sick again anyway. This is, at least, how I remember it. My family was convinced I had made myself sick again (could I blame them after my earlier antics?), though I surmised I was allergic.

Fast forward eight or nine years. A little culture and a little Pinterest (ha!), and I found myself really wanting to try fish again. (After all, it probably was hysteria-induced vomiting the first three times, right?) Ty and I were out with friends on Sunday, and I decided to try the Mahi Mahi on the menu. I've heard it's a less-fishy fish. Unfortunately, I didn't know that Cerviche was served cold (need some more culture, apparently!). After years of avoiding fish, I was less-than-thrilled about a cold dish. It was served in a citrus juice with fresh cilantro and avocado - delicious flavors, but I would have preferred a hot filet.

Still, I ate a good amount, and we finished dinner. All seemed well. Until I couldn't fall asleep and was suddenly sick all over again.

Well, Mom and Dad, I guess it's safe to say I do indeed have a fish allergy. Can you believe I'm actually sad about it? Guess that's the payback for all my picky years. 

(Editor's note: Jessie is a significantly less picky eater these days, though she is still mercilessly teased about it. She only refuses to eat gluten, fish, and tomatoes. She will, however, eat tomato sauces and salsas.)