One of the things I love is coming to my blog and seeing which of my posts are popular. Most of them are our Epilepsy posts. When I began blogging, I didn’t intend to write about that aspect of our lives but I wanted others to not feel so alone in this journey that we’ve lived with now for generations.
I’m lucky. I have generations of family who’ve had Epilepsy, who I can relate with. Not everyone has that. Most of the families I’m in contact with daily don’t have anyone they know that has Epilepsy and they often have no knowledge of Epilepsy itself.
Now it’s not lucky that we’ve had to deal with seizures for generations on generations. This is a mean disorder that holds no kindness to it’s victims. But I have history to compare to, especially for myself and my children. I know what I’ve lived with. I know what they’ve lived with and how it affects each of us.
I have 3 children with Epilepsy. I’ve been to every appointment with them on this. I’ve asked questions, had medications changed and adjusted, address dietary issues, made thorough notes about each type of seizure we all have. I’ve taken on this part of parenting willingly because if I didn’t, who was going to? But more than that, God equipped me to do this. He knew when He chose me I could do it, even when I questioned.
I’ve been through the ups and downs of this disorder as a Mother. I’ve explained as much as I can to my children when they ask why this happens to them or why they need medications, or why they need an MRI or an EEG, why we have to stay at the hospital this week. This is our life. This is what we do. Epilepsy isn’t a choice but it is our life.
When you’re feeling down about Epilepsy, remember to look up, to pray, to allow yourself peace and grace as a parent. Don’t beat yourself up. There’s nothing we can do to change the fact we have this disorder, nothing we can do to change it. We accept it and move on to help our children deal with their days better.
It’s been a while since I posted about Epilepsy. It’s something I try to ignore some days but it’s always there. When I least expect it, it will rear it’s ugly head and remind me it’s still here lurking in the sidelines. And then I remember there are others like us who also deal with this. I pray our blog helps you to deal with the day to day and know you are not alone.
Blessings,
Dana
