Epilepsy Talk

Return from the edge… | April 27, 2024

I almost died.

For a while I couldn’t even read.

My brain needed rebooting.

They told me my heart had stopped and I was lucky to be alive.

It took me several months for my cognitive abilities to return.

Months during which I had plenty of time to think.

Previously, I had a high paying job in advertising, which I hated.

I loved my clients and they loved me.

But I wanted to help people.

It was time to give back.

And my near-death experience gave me the perfect opportunity.

(Once I found the keyboard!)

I went to all sorts of non-profit organizations. No one wanted me.

Until the Epilepsy Foundation of Eastern PA welcomed me with open arms.

The monthly support groups were like manna to the soul.

Nevertheless, it was not enough for me.

I wanted to write about epilepsy, a subject dear to my heart.

I sought to put epilepsy out in the open and talk about it.

After decades of epilepsy, that’s what I knew best.

Along with the fear, discrimination and ignorance that went with it.

My parents wouldn’t even say the “E” word.

My step-father surgeon told me my brain waves were just uneven.

As I smashed into walls and fell up and down the stairs.

But there was nothing wrong with me.

I couldn’t bear it. And knew that I was not alone.

I truly believe, in their heart of hearts, that people want to help.

They are kind and caring. Not ignorant and selfish fools.

It was just a matter of showing them how.

I wanted to start a website. But, I didn’t have a clue how.

Passion was my motivation.

Helping others was the key.

If we can’t help each other, who can?

After much research, gnashing of teeth and some false starts, Epilepsy Talk was born.

The purpose is to educate and inform. Those who have epilepsy, plus their near and dear ones.

I had finally found a safe place.

Where people can come, learn, ask questions, even vent.

People who wanted to commit suicide have been talked “off the ledge”.

Others have helped one another cope and even prosper.

These kind, caring, compassionate people have become my life.

The reason I get up in the morning.

Epilepsy Talk has become the home I never had.

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