The Eve of an Anniversary
Just another day (Anniversary) that changed my LIFE.
February 5th, 2013 is a day that is remembered and certainly not forgotten. Many people that grew up with me are aware I had epilepsy and seizures. I would have 2 to 3 seizures a week as a child. After living on medications for 30 plus years I had the testing to see if I would be a candidate to have a surgery to hopefully cure my seizures. Test leading up to the procedure were able to locate a scar in my frontal temper-lobe. Seems like the scar was caused from a very high fever as a toddler. Test leading up to surgery was not an easy road for the one closest to me. My wife Shelly had never really seen a full seizure since as an adult I would have petty mal, seizures. similar to someone just day dreaming or zoning out. When I was off meds to have a seizure she was there by my side, and I thank her for that. It was a Grand Mal, worst I had ever had. She had to see the one she loves convulsing in a bed and feeling helpless. After that is was very evident the root I my seizures. The next step was to schedule surgery. When you start thinking of having brain surgery, a lot goes thru you mind. What if….. I had lived my whole life with seizures and limitations. Thought was I have lived this way all my life, If there is a chance life can be better, LET’S DO IT. I think easier for me to says then others close to me. Surgery day came, my mother, sister and wife all there with me. Can only speak for myself, I was pretty relaxed. Not sure Shelly would agree with me. I believe they were told surgery would be 2 1/2 hours. After 6 hours they started asking questions. It was 10 hours before they heard or saw anyone. February 5th, 2013. A day not forgotten.
After that day I was able to tapper myself of the medications I was taking. Within the year I was off all medications, never had another seizure of aura. The energy and way I felt was like none I had ever had before. Life since that day has been non stop. Making up for time when not feeling great and working at giving back to the community that was good to me as I was growing up.
Some would say it must have been terrible to grow up that way. I lived a normal life to me. I am thankful for my mother and father that did not hold me back. Participated in youth sports Baseball and Basketball. Knew my abilities and physical strength was not the same as others. Did not stop me from giving it what I had and accepting what I did not have. I always did feel like an outsider. Bullying by kids today is different then it was 40 years ago. I can says I felt bullied and knew no matter what I said or did I would not fit in. Learned at early age I did not have to prove anything to anyone. I knew who I was, what I was capable of doing and did not matter what other thought. Actually believe it was growing up this way that has given me the confidence I have in my adulthood to concur anything asked of me. Thankful for parents and grand parents supporting me along the way. Always there bring me to practices, club meeting and whatever else there was to do.
My transformation over the last 9 months is similar to the change I experienced 15 years ago. I am stronger, have more energy and feel great. Have the feeling that nothing can stop me. I do feel that my mind is big part of where I am today. I knew I wanted a change and only way I was going to get it, was to do it. I was ready for change.
Change can be done by anyone. You need to want it, believe in it and trust the journey.