Another Semester and Other Thoughts

[Mary Lou Connolly]

I just dropped off Michael for his second day of the semester at California State University San Marcos. As is the case with each time he leaves the car with faithful Katie by his side, headed toward concrete stairs that join CSUSM’s buildings, I feel the familiar fluttering of butterflies in my stomach. By the time I reach the turn that takes me off campus, the uneasy feeling is gone. It’s taken many years and lots of self-talk plus inspiration from other parents and finally, the perseverance and courage of Michael and so many others that I am, for periods of time, able to “let go”.
And by “periods of time” I mean just that. There are still the nightly trips down the hall just like when my young adult children were infants---to check for the rise and fall of gentle breaths. There are some nights the short trip only occurs one time. That’s thanks to Katie’s presence and the reasonable expectation that she will alert us to a lengthy tonic seizure. I’m pretty sure though that I’m not likely to sleep through the night ever again.
I suppose if I had ever participated in a parent support group regarding raising a child with epilepsy, I may have managed to conquer some of my more irrational feelings/fears. Or would I?
It’s ironic. I never was a believer in the whole support group concept. I just couldn’t envision spilling my guts to a group of people. So--- I wrote down my innermost thoughts. It was indeed quite a therapeutic experience. So----I wrote a book, Missing Michael… So much for keeping those thoughts to myself! Ha!
This blog has been a continuation of my “support group”. I love to hear from those in the epilepsy community. Many agree with my opinions or identify with my feelings and some have taken me to task for what I have written. No matter. Each time I put something out there is an opportunity to reach someone----to promote awareness, educate, and yes of all things--- to receive and provide support.
I am grateful to those who have read, commented or learned something from my written thoughts.
My fervent hope is that in this New Year I will be able to reach more people not directly impacted by epilepsy. On a grander scale, I hope the various national epilepsy organizations can somehow find a way to collaborate and speak with one voice to raise awareness, educate, fund research and find a cure.
Grander scale indeed!

[Mary Lou Connolly]

Yes Rich. Katie is Michael's service dog!

 

[Richard A. Smith]

   Hi Mrs. Connoly my names Rich and what you do is a great thing I have read some articles by you and they have really raised awareness especially in the sports area (hit a home run) great artilcle.I have a question though is Katie a dog by chance.

thanks Rich