Thank you for sharing your story, Chellie. You inspire me to put my own chronic health issues into perspective.
My beloved Golden Retriever, Jeri, began having seizures at age 10; she lived to be nearly 15. At first I was terrified, unsure of what was happening. Then I learned to take care of her before, during and after the seizure; I think my staying present with her let her know she was safe and not alone. (I hope my mentioning my dog in this context isn’t offensive to you!)
Thank you for being a role model of grace under pressure. ☺️
Not offensive at all. In fact, I think what you learned with Jeri speaks to something very universal. When someone we love is having a seizure, whether human or animal, there is often very little we can do to stop it. What we can do is stay present.
I love that you learned how to care for her before, during, and after, and that you chose to be there with her rather than look away in fear. That is a profound act of love.
And thank you for your kind words. If my story helps others view their own challenges with a little more compassion or perspective, then sharing it is worthwhile.
Please give yourself credit, too. Jeri was fortunate to have someone who made sure she was safe and not alone.
Thank you. The first time it happened, when it finally ended and she was lying still, at first I thought she was dead. So scary. 😱 When she opened her eyes and began to move, I was overcome with emotion. You are a courageous person to navigate your life with this health condition and, what’s more, to write about it. ☺️
I'm so proud of you for writing this!!! You did it!!!! I'll be honest, seizures scare me. I have had students with epilepsy and my own experience with them from alcohol withdrawals. Something I had no idea could happen. Adolescence is always difficult but you definitely had an extra layer. What awesome choices you made. You are so strong!
I do understand the fear. Growing up with epilepsy is not easy. I had many challenging experiences-limitations put upon me, negative perceptions to overcome, and a feeling of needing to prove who I am. When I saw people around me choosing to lose control, it impacted me. That…and a great mentor, doctor, guide, helped me understand how I can choose to take control rather than lose it.
Thank you, Margaret for saying you are proud…that means the world to me. 🩷
He was a special man who made THE difference in my life in some very significant ways. I think of him every day, he was that special to me. In some ways, he saved my life (that is a different post, I may write one day).
Great piece. Hopefully these lessons will resonate with some young people out there facing some difficult choices!
Thank you for sharing your story, Chellie. You inspire me to put my own chronic health issues into perspective.
My beloved Golden Retriever, Jeri, began having seizures at age 10; she lived to be nearly 15. At first I was terrified, unsure of what was happening. Then I learned to take care of her before, during and after the seizure; I think my staying present with her let her know she was safe and not alone. (I hope my mentioning my dog in this context isn’t offensive to you!)
Thank you for being a role model of grace under pressure. ☺️
Thank you for sharing this. 🩷
Not offensive at all. In fact, I think what you learned with Jeri speaks to something very universal. When someone we love is having a seizure, whether human or animal, there is often very little we can do to stop it. What we can do is stay present.
I love that you learned how to care for her before, during, and after, and that you chose to be there with her rather than look away in fear. That is a profound act of love.
And thank you for your kind words. If my story helps others view their own challenges with a little more compassion or perspective, then sharing it is worthwhile.
Please give yourself credit, too. Jeri was fortunate to have someone who made sure she was safe and not alone.
Thank you. The first time it happened, when it finally ended and she was lying still, at first I thought she was dead. So scary. 😱 When she opened her eyes and began to move, I was overcome with emotion. You are a courageous person to navigate your life with this health condition and, what’s more, to write about it. ☺️
I'm so proud of you for writing this!!! You did it!!!! I'll be honest, seizures scare me. I have had students with epilepsy and my own experience with them from alcohol withdrawals. Something I had no idea could happen. Adolescence is always difficult but you definitely had an extra layer. What awesome choices you made. You are so strong!
I do understand the fear. Growing up with epilepsy is not easy. I had many challenging experiences-limitations put upon me, negative perceptions to overcome, and a feeling of needing to prove who I am. When I saw people around me choosing to lose control, it impacted me. That…and a great mentor, doctor, guide, helped me understand how I can choose to take control rather than lose it.
Thank you, Margaret for saying you are proud…that means the world to me. 🩷
I am also in awe of your doctor relationship, that is so rare and special and I’m so happy you got that!!
He was a special man who made THE difference in my life in some very significant ways. I think of him every day, he was that special to me. In some ways, he saved my life (that is a different post, I may write one day).
I look forward to that one as well!
Chellie, Thank You for sharing your journey.