Happy (?) Anniversary To Me

This is my anniversary.

No, I haven't surprised you all by running off to the Elvis Chapel in Vegas and getting married.  (Give me some credit.) 

But this is my anniversary as on this day my life changed forever.  On this date in 1964, my father walked into the living room, and found me on the floor in convulsions.  He and Mom rushed me to the hospital, and I was put in the Children's Wing, where I spent the next several weeks, including my first Christmas.

My parents spent twelve hour shifts watching over me, and my fever soared.  I came down with other things in the hospital and noted here in a previous blog: http://goodolthisanthat.blogspot.com/2010/12/experiences-with-angels.html  The events led to a change in my family's lives, for the better, so what happened was a good thing.

I was diagnosed with seizures, yet the doctor refused to call me an epileptic, as he didn't like to use that phrase.  Why?  It's not contagious, nor a shameful condition.  Many famous people suffered from epilepsy:  Vincent Van Gogh, Julius Caesar, Saint Paul, Napoleon Bonaparte, Pope Pius IX, Alfred Nobel, Lord Bryon, Alexander the Great, Socrates, and Cardinal Richelieu to name a few.  I'm in pretty good company, aren't I?

I've had surgery that helps with my spells. More on that can be found at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vagus_nerve_stimulator Since then, I have spoken to groups of patients and nurses regarding my surgery.  My neurologist has patients who are unsure about the surgery call me and ask how it has helped me, so I am honestly glad I am an epileptic.  If I'm able to assist one person, then it's been worth it.

Am I noble, unselfish?  Booshwah.  All of this has been harder on my family than me.  I've just had to have the spells.  They've had to watch me have them, knowing there's nothing they can do.  That's the hard part.  Fortunately, for most of my life, they've been well under control.

So today, I 'celebrate' my anniversary.  I wouldn't have my life any other way than what it is, as strange as it may seem.  To be grateful one is epileptic may sound like an odd quirk, but it also makes me grateful for the sacrifices my family has made over the years. 

Thank you Mom, Dad, and Diana.  I couldn't have done it without you.