Sometimes God alerts us to dangers that may be happening around us. I’m always thankful for these little nudges that let me know when I need to pay extra attention. Especially when these little instances have to do with my children.
Last night, I tucked my kids into bed. I said their prayers with them and kissed them. Then I went to take my bath as usual. Shortly after, I began to relax, I heard Laycie cough.
It was an unusual thing, as once she’s out, she’s usually out for the night. But last night, I just felt different and I knew I should check on her. So I did.
She was asleep in her bed, snuggled in but something told me to wake her anyways. When I did I found she had the paths of tears coming from both of her sweet eyes. As she opened her eyes to look at me, I saw her eyes were red.
She had no idea why I was waking her. She didn’t know she had coughed. She didn’t realize she had been crying. I asked was she okay and she responded but her answer didn’t make sense. I’m not sure if she had been dreaming or if this incident was seizure related.
This is the life of Epilepsy. Outwardly, you see a child who appears normal. A child who plays with her siblings, sings, jumps, runs like normal. But beneath the surface the normal child ends.
From my experience, I have no doubt this was seizure activity for Laycie. Her emotions, her responses on waking, her movements all point to something being “off” for her. It wasn’t a seizure itself but activity in the brain that can lead to a seizure if not recognized and paid attention to.
Sometimes we miss these small signs that the Monster is nearby. We don’t always catch those little things before the big ones happen but they are important to learn and to recognize. By catching her small responses, I am able to snuggle with her to calm her. I am able to see to it that she rests a little more, sleeps in and takes a nap if she needs it the next day.
Sometimes just simply laying beside her and holding her can help her drift into a deep sleep that allows her tiny self to reset. This simple reset can help keep her from having a major seizure and that’s always the goal. If she’s restless, we can find a relaxing activity which for Laycie is usually just being held and shown love from Mommy. I can also apply our essential oils, either our frankincense roll-on or our lavender, to relax her and help her drift into sleep again. Just these simple things can help.
There have been so many nights that I have laid awake in the last 14 years as a seizure Mom simply listening to my children breath. There have been so many days when I have watched my children like a hawk judging what for us is seizure activity and what isn’t as well as what’s different for this child versus their sibling. Epilepsy manifests into each individual person differently so it’s important to learn these small points, as well as the larger triggers for yourself or your child. Learning their personal quirks and triggers can help you to stop the onset of a major epileptic event for that individual.
And always pay attention to those little God nudges. Don’t second guess His reasons to alert you. Go seek out what it is He wishes to make known to you. You simply never know when one of those nudges may save your life or that of someone else you love.
God bless,
Dana
