Hi Kevin and welcome. Tristan, your post just reinforces how
important the messages that we receive as children are to our self-
esteem. I never saw any reason that Megan couldn't do anything she
wanted to do growing up and constantly reinforced that idea. Perhaps
that helped her continue to be the daredevil, the outgoing actress
and singer, and "my bounce-back kid." Nothing has ever kept her down,
in spite of the fact that she faces more challenges than some. She
also has pretty severe ADD, but she is determined to get her
bachelor's degree, most likely in theater arts, which is one of her
passions. She learned to drive in high school, before her seizures
became more frequent, and we never give up hope that she will one day
have her license. She always wanted to be a pilot, and although that
will not likely happen, she has had the chance to fly in small planes
and even to "grab the wheel" a few times, so to speak. She works,
has always dated and has a fair number of friends. She is extremely
up-front about having epilepsy when she meets people, and even takes
a kind of perverse pride in the fact that epilepsy is part of who she
is. Her online identity is "One Hot Epileptic."
Kevin, I don't think it is ever to late to start living a more
fulfilling life. Yes, you may have been told that you couldn't do
things, etc. but that only has as much power as you give it. Start
telling yourself that you can do various things, and tell yourself
many times each day. Look in the mirror and say it out loud, as it
will have more of an effect on you. Start small. What is something
that you would love to do but have held back from doing? Find a way
to do it, whether that means getting someone to help you, careful
planning, extra precautions, whatever it takes.
I just wanted to add that other than driving, there is really nothing
that Megan can't or doesn't do because of her epilepsy. She rock
climbs, used to compete in karate on a national level, and dances,
sings and acts onstage. We try to use common sense, but I have never
believed in wrapping her in cotton just to keep her safe. She might
have been safer with more restrictions, but she would not be Megan.
Take care,
Tammy
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