Me Time and a Wish For You
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Just when I started getting my life back in balance from a tumultuous few years, September 15, JJ had a break-through seizure, or a seizure that broke through her medication. This time, the neurologist sort of kind of thought maybe, possibly her precise seizure disorder is Panayiotopoulos. Which isn’t controlled by medication. And is long (20 – 60 minutes.) And, won’t cause brain-damage, probably. But since that’s not for sure, go ahead and administer a rectal injection to stop the seizures after 10 minutes, just in case. If you happen to be awake. Actually, better have the paramedics do it since the last time, the injection made her go into respiratory distress.
Did we want to take her off the medication? he asked my husband and me.
And the stress moved through my body without my consent . . .Â
Not surprisingly, I got sick. I stopped my healthy eating and exercise just when I was back on track.
My coping skills sucked.
Something needed to change.
So, what did I change?
I let my friends take me to Devil’s Thumb Ranch where I laughed a lot, ate good food, connected with nature, hung out with a really friendly calf, and rode a horse.
Breathe.
I also got off-line and did a cleanse.
Breathe.
I even started prioritizing sleeping 9 hours — instead of 5.
Breathe.
Here are a few moments from my Devil’s Thumb Ranch trip in Winter Park, Colorado. You’ll see how I found my center again.
Here’s the view from my huge claw-foot bathtub.
My special calf friend liked me. We hung out for some time because I liked him, too.
A trail ride connected me with nature . . .
You smell like horse 🙂  . . .
I walked and walked alone in nature.
How is the stress now?
I feel better — peaceful and centered – better than I have in a long time.
Yes, JJ still has a seizure disorder. Unfortunately, we haven’t figured out what we’re going to do about the medication yet. I wish it were an easy decision.
But, I could handle this sleep-deprived EEG.
I can.
Because I’m finally taking care of myself.
. . .
My Holiday Wish For You
I wish that this holiday, you take time for you, too. Take time to read a book, get massages and pedicures, go on a mini-retreat, hang out with friends, go outside and walk, pet a cow, go off-line.
I think you and your family will be glad you did.
The Next Few Weeks
The next few weeks I will share with you my favorite gift ideas from the gift guides – and chances to win different products. No, I’m not becoming a giveaway blog, but I do want to share my favorite things for the holidays — and hope that in doing so, it makes your life a bit easier.
I cherish you and wish you many blessings this season,
~ Melissa
GIFT GUIDES FOR KIDS . . .Â
 Holiday Gift Guide: Books for Kids
 Holiday Gift Guide: Math and ScienceÂ
I’m so glad that you are taking time for you and it’s making your situation a bit easier for you to handle. I hope that you can remember this, because I know it’s all too easy to forget and slip back into depriving yourself thinking that you can do more for others. I hope that you receive the answers you need soon. I hope that she does well and the seizures stay at bay. You both must be incredibly strong, whether you realize it at all times or not. I’ll be thinking of you both and hoping for the best. Thank you for sharing.
This is such a beautiful post, and a very important message! We need to take care of ourselves to be able to take care of others. Thinking of you and your daughter xx
Way to go for taking the time you need to re-focus! I’m so sorry about your daughter’s seizures, but you’re right, you’ll be much better able to cope when you’re feeling your best. A great message for us all. Thanks! Here’s to a peaceful holiday and new year!
Melissa,
I have a neice with a seizure disorder. She is now 32, married to a wonderful man, and still have seizures all the time. Last summer my sister and I took her to London for a special week of fun. We did have a wonderful time doing everything my neice wanted to do and see. The night before our last day she had a huge seizure while taking a shower. We spent the night in a London hospital and luckily we were able to leave London without any problems. My neice still tells us that was the best trip of her life. My sister and I had trouble “breathing” for many weeks after that experience. Looking back we are glad we were able to share all the good times with my neice and give her a week of great memories. I hope you will find the balance in your life with the good memories outweighing the bad ones.
Blessings,
Alida
wow, that’s quite a story, Alida. Thank you for sharing – and for the hope!
A great message here – an beautiful photos. So glad you’re feeling better.