Epilepsy Talk
Damaged goods | February 23, 2023
There’s something liberating in being expected to fail. No expectations, no explanations.
After all, “you’ll never amount to anything.” You’re damaged goods.
So you’re free to fall on your face. Or reach for the stars. I did both.
When I didn’t make friends, it was expected. “Who would want to hang out with you?”
I flunked out of Science and French. No big deal.
I was awarded first place in a writing competition. And I had to read my essay in front of the governor! Everyone was stunned.
Boys headed for the hills after just one date. “Well, what did you expect?”
I jumped off the roof at college. “Poor thing. You’re a sick girl.”
Then I graduated from college Magna Cum Laude. They couldn’t believe it. (And did not attend my graduation.)
I got the job of my dreams. Promotions came easily. My parents didn’t know what to say.
I became a successful writer and ultimately started my own freelance business which I did for over 35+ years. (Until I started Epilepsy Talk). They still couldn’t believe it.
I met the man of my dreams. My father almost had a stroke. “There must be something wrong with him. Why would he choose a girl like you.”
I’ve been married for 43 years. And I’ve had a very full, successful and happy life.
Damaged or not.
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Tags: damaged goods, expectations, explanations, fall on your face, reach for the stars
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Epilepsy Talk 
Too old & damaged here especially if you are a person of any faith, for this world to accept you as you are, with or without seizures. My birthday is JUNE 25 & I always ask every 6 months for a seizure free 6 month time between my birthday & Christmas. So far God after 61 years of HELL has given me that. He really could had given me that at 1 year old or at least 10 years old, but I can not change his mind or plans then or now. Everything happens for a reason, and now looking back & seeing 1 year later for the past 2 months almost how my mom is & has been getting better, from all her miseries she’s dealt with, I had to become seizure free 1st, before her health improved as it has, as she is now doing all things like she’s 21 instead of 91. It isn’t like this world will judge us in the end, as so many JUDGES ME who I know, yet they are ready to stay their distances from me. Is that because I HAVE KNOWN TO HAVE SEIZURES or BELIEVE IN GOD ? Both I say which to them I say SAYBL,, Sorry About Your Bad Luck which 1 person said to me after I had a seizure at the bowling alley 20 years ago & I still bowl, there today WITH the same hate & attitude towards me, as Jesus said,, When men hate and despise you, remember they hated and despised me first. So I have nothing to lose or worry about from THIS world. Why should anyone else worry what others say or think about them, WHEN the best friend ever you can have ”JESUS CHRIST” wants you to know him, who will never reject you ?
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Comment by James D — February 23, 2023 @ 8:14 AM
After reading your post, Damaged goods so much of what I read seems to mirror my life. The dating scene didn’t go well. Jobs, can’t tell you how many jobs I lost because of how I was feeling. My Epilepsy, I believe had everything to do with it. The isolation I feel at times can be overwhelming. My social life does suffer, you just don’t go out as much. Having Epilepsy as you know, can be stressful. You are always worrying about having one, so you tend to limit your activities. Going through this, I work hard at keeping a positive attitude. The one thing that keeps me grounded is my love for writing. I am working on the second draft of my novel, which I hope will be published sometime next year. I have also published a short story, and I’m working on my second short story. Writing keeps me focused, and that is important when you are having health problems. To anyone out there who is struggling, especially with Epilepsy stay focused, find a passion in your life, and go for it! To Phylis, thank you for all the work you do in educating the public on Epilepsy. It is important for people to learn more about this condition. I believe Epilepsy is so misunderstood. Reading your posts every week is a motivation for me, and other people too.
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Comment by Kevin Richards — February 23, 2023 @ 12:10 PM
Another writer! It’s nice to meet a kindred soul. I write to live. And I live to write. I’m sure you understand.
Let me know when your novel is published. I’d love to read it.
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Comment by Phylis Feiner Johnson — February 23, 2023 @ 1:18 PM
Thank you, Phylis I will let you know when it’s published. You can go to Amazon if you want to read my short story. Just type in my name, Kevin Richards, and the title is: Back to Okinawa. Thanks again.
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Comment by Kevin Richards — February 23, 2023 @ 2:09 PM
I went to Amazon and I can’t BUY it. Only download a sample. (???)
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Comment by Phylis Feiner Johnson — February 23, 2023 @ 2:57 PM
Hi Phylis, I sent a free link for my short story. Just follow the link and instructions. Let me know if you have any problems. I sent it to your personal email. You will need an e-reader, Kindle if you can.
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Comment by Kevin Richards — February 23, 2023 @ 3:54 PM
Hi Phylis,
I had to send you the link here. It didn’t go through on your personal email.
Hello,
Kevin has purchased you a copy of:
Back to Okinawa by ,
Please accept your prepaid eBook using the link below:
https://www.amazon.com/kindle/redeem/?t=GSSHY5YVTG8ECGR
You can enjoy eBooks on any device with the free Kindle app for iPhone, iPad, Android phones and tablets, PC and Mac, and on Kindle e-readers and Fire tablets. Learn more at https://www.amazon.com/kindle-dbs/fd/kcp
Need help? Visit Kindle Support at https://www.amazon.com/help/kindle/prepaidbooks/accept for information about Kindle prepaid eBooks.
Thanks,
Kevin
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Comment by Kevin Richards — February 23, 2023 @ 4:01 PM
Damaged goods we are and a lot of damage can come from our own immediate family who does not believe in us.
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Comment by Jill Whiting — February 24, 2023 @ 9:40 PM
Kevin, see Okinawa review on Amazon/Kindle.
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Comment by Phylis Feiner Johnson — February 27, 2023 @ 4:39 PM
Phylis, thank you for the nice review on Amazon Kindle. I am glad you enjoyed the story. I will let you know when my second short story is finished.
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Comment by Kevin Richards — February 27, 2023 @ 4:58 PM