How One Friend Gave Me A Weekend I Won't Forget

Having had epilepsy for over ten years now I’ve learned how to roll with the punches that come with it. From side effects to seizures, I rarely let it affect me. I give credit to my parents (and siblings) for this attitude as they have taught me to see the positives in the negatives that come in life. EVERYONE has to deal with challenges, but they don’t have to define you. Yes, I may have an attitude that is hard for others to understand, but that doesn’t mean you can’t start seeing things as I do. There are so many more positives in life than negatives; remember that!

With that said, this past weekend was one I will not forget. After being gone most of the weekend, I got my phone back Sunday and received a text I really wasn’t prepared for. One of my best friends who has epilepsy texted me saying she had a grandmal seizure. I was already mentally drained from the weekend, but a text like this took it to the next level. After taking care of a few things, I called her to get the whole story. As she was telling me what had happened, I could barely grasp everything she went through. I don’t think she knows this, but a few tears definitely came out. Aside from seeing my brother have a seizure, this was right at the top of the worst things to take in.

Although it was not the best story to hear at all, there was something good that came out of it for both of us. We both realized how important a support system is when battling seizures. I could tell she was emotionally drained out and she needed to hear a few things for support. I texted her this; “1) you have one of the most technological devices to stop seizures and the after effects 2) you are strong and can battle through anything like last night 3) you now have a story to tell to help others stay positive.” She knows that I was absolutely focused on twisting the negatives from that night into positives. She may think I’m a little dork now, but I’m okay with that 😊

I was scared and my jaw dropped when I got that text. However, I knew that I was raised to help others see the positives in bad things. It’s tough, but in the end, it can help others in so many ways.