Today, I am convinced. No, not just convinced but I'm convinced with conviction... convinced with conviction that Epilepsy Awareness needs to be taught. It's not an option. Without education about difference, people are ignorent to human condition(s) vastly different to themselves, and loose the opportunity to become enlightened to the plight of others. No one is too young to learn compassion. No one is too young to learn acceptance and to respect difference. And, no one is too young to learn how to be tender.
Today the meaning of the saying 'our
children are our best teachers' had a chance to shine through my two nieces, age seven and eleven, who unbeknownst to them, partook in one of their cousin's harder seizure days. Consequently, these youngsters aquired wisdom that I hope will serve them and others on their journey through life as they encounter diversely-abled individuals. So many life lessons were discussed today. I must say that I am one very proud Aunt! The seven year old was outspoken and curious about the grand mal seizure she witnessed in close proximity. Her biggest question was 'will I have a seizure like that someday?'. This question arises out of a natural fear that many others may have. Will that scary thing: a illness or condition someday become my reality? We fear what we don't understand as humans. Fear of the unknown in children whose imaginations can run wild may quickly become out of proportion and may possibly be left ascue if we as adults don't intervene and explain on their level what occurred. All of the questions must be answered. My older niece, who was endearingly helpful and compassionate, too sought to understand the full nature of her cousin's struggle with seizures. These are some of the questions that spurred our discussions this afternoon:
- was she born with this
- when was her first seizure, can I see a picture of her at that age
- does anyone else have seizures in our family
- what does a seizure feel like
- does she know what's happening during after before
- aren't you scared
- where have they happened
- does she have them at school
- will she have another
- why does she scream or make that face
- has she had them while she's sleeping
- what if you miss one and aren't there
- what makes her body do that, why did she move her hands/arms like that
- are the pets scared when she has a seizure
- what kind of medicine will stop it
- what if the medicine doesn't stop it
- do the doctors know how to fix it
- why don't the doctors know how to fix it
- will she wake up before we leave
- will she remember what we did today
Many emotions were felt and expressed in new moments of fright, confusion and nervousness, all in reaction to the seizure event today. I allowed the questions flow freely as they came and honestly and whole heartedly answered every single one.
This is how we spread awareness.
With education comes understanding. And hopefully with more understanding, comes compassion.
I'm so grateful that organizations like the Epilepsy Foundation http://www.epilepsy.com/new-england
exist.
We need to spread awareness so children like Izabelle can live in a world with compassion and understanding. Xo.
Off soapbox...
No comments:
Post a Comment