School Play and Catamenial Seizures

As an organized person one of the most difficult lessons I've had to learn over the past 15 years is that in certain circles organization is a complete myth. You know what I'm talking about. That certain place in life where you are in the center of the circle with a special needs child. Or one. Or two. Or maybe 39 like Big Mama Hollers. An ill spouse. An elderly parent or parents.

You sit down to the table for a wonderful family dinner. Suddenly your child has a terrible seizure. The dinner grows cold. The other family members wait, alone again. You cry.

Your elderly parent breaks a hip.

Your spouse requires dialysis.

Situations that wreck havoc with our already fragile "schedules."

At first I fought it. Now I mourn it's loss but move on. There is simply no solution and one of the hardest lessons I've learned is this: the fact that there is no solution is not necessarily a bad thing.

The house has never looked messier. The appointment book has never been fuller. But when you relinquish control and "go with the flow" as is our mantra you discover something. School plays are funnier. Surprise gifts from new and old friends are more surprising. Coffee with a neighbor never tasted so sweet.

In this hectic season please stop with me and take a breath. Concentrate on what is most important.

Family.

Giving.

Friends. Both old and new.

I'm sure you'll think of more. I can.

In the midst of the usual complexity of our house hold The Teenager has developed Catamenial Seizures along with the Tonic Clonic (grand mall) she develop last Christmas. Fortunately, I have a wonderful neurologist who is always available via e-mail. He responded immediately to my concerns and she will begin a second seizure medication during her menstrual period only.

I refuse, through the sheer act of my French/Irish will, to ask why? We will move on making the most of the blessings we already have.


And we'll dance until the curtain comes down.