I’ve written this in previous posts and I’m going to say it again. There are a few remarks I find ridiculous and frankly quite ignorant when they tumble out of people’s mouths:

-”Oh my, you have Epilepsy, well, I can’t believe it…you don’t look sick at all…” (When in reality they have no idea what Epilepsy is and what’s involved. They think you should be branded or tattooed with a giant E on your forehead)

-”Wow, you can’t drive…I could NEVER survive my life without driving. OK…great to see you. Bye-bye. (and they high-tail it out the door and leave you in the dust)

-”Oh…you have a child with Epilepsy???” (And they scrunch their noses or raise their brows as if to question your existence)

I’ve heard the first two on more occasions than I care to recall. No one has ever uttered the third comment to me directly because Hayden does not have Epilepsy, but people have come right out and asked me if she does. People have even been so bold as to ask if ‘I infected my daughter’ by giving birth to her. It always amazes me how blunt people can be.

I suppose the point to all of this is, I had a conversation the other day with a very old and dear friend. She is one of those people I count as being part of my ‘team’ (and there aren’t many of them). She’s someone who never questions why or how, but she understands the limitations and the needs. I was feeling upset, frustrated and frankly downright stranded because of the way my life is restricted. But she had to remind me that unless I open myself up to accepting the help, chances are it won’t be offered. People are busy and self-absorbed. They have their own worlds and their own lives to worry about. So, it’s ridiculous to think that they would remember that you might need a ride or assistance because you have Epilepsy. Speak up! It’s sort of like, ‘Talk About It!’ Only, it’s about your needs. It has nothing to do with pity, but it could have a lot to do with Epilepsy awareness.