Editor Note: This spring, the ladies of JIW attended First Lady Michelle Obama's Let's Move 2nd Anniversary Celebration in Orlando Florida. The recap below is a review written by JIWs Arden W. and Deryn D.
The ladies of Journey Into Womanhood were invited by the Duval County Childhood Obesity Prevention Coalition, a program of Healthy Kids, Healthy Jacksonville to participate in First Lady Michelle Obama’s Let’s Move 2nd Anniversary Celebration. This was a wonderful event from start to finish and something that every girl will be able to tell her children later on in life.
The day started with presentations at a local church. Different speakers share their testimonies on how they experienced health and fitness in their lives. One of the speaker’s testimonies was given by Tom Joyner’s wife, Mrs. Donna Joyner. She told the audience about a story about her father journey towards living a healthy lifestyle after suffering from three strokes.
Mrs. Obama is trying to prevent this from happening for any young children. She started Let’s Move, to encourage the youth of today to get and exercise but it will REALLY pay off in the future. Singer Yolanda Adams then wowed the crowed with her amazing voice. Her song was very encouraging. In her song she mentioned "happiness doesn't come by chance, so get up and dance!" It was a perfect song for the event!
Mrs. Michelle Obama spoke at the end of the presentation. The speech she gave was empowering because it made us think about what is really happening with the children of American and them becoming over weight or having health. She shared the history of “Let’s Move” and then told the audience some pretty funny stories how when she growing up every meal was balanced thanks to her grandmother. She eventually got use to it and figured out that healthy eating and living isn’t bad.
The second event was held at the Walt Disney ESPN Center. This was an event where the younger kids (8-14) get to get up and start moving right along with Mrs. Michelle Obama. There were stars from Disney Channel and two of the J.I.W. got to dance with them!
We really enjoyed this entire experience! This was a great opportunity for us to be able to tell our kids one day that we were in the same exact room with First Lady Michelle Obama! On behalf of myself and the other J.I.W. girls we really thank Mrs. Michelle for inviting us to these wonderful events.
Friday, April 13, 2012
Wednesday, April 4, 2012
What is a family?
Editor Note: During the March program meetings, Journey into Womanhood was proud to partner with Girls Inc. for a two-part discussion on relationships and communication. Listed below is a recap of the conversation from JIW Jazmine R.
What is a family? A family is a group of people who cares and love for each other. What defines a family? It means to love, trust, communicate, be together, and listen to each other. What makes a family? A family could be anything from a mother, father, sister, brother, cousin, aunt, uncle, or even a close friend. What makes a family stay together is that they all understand each other and what the meaning of family really means to one another. In a family each person should play a role which should affect the whole family.
On March 12, 2012 Girls Inc. joined JIW at a meeting and we talked about various topics. The most important thing we talked about was families. We learned that families are important because they support us, guide us, and love us unconditionally. Sometimes we may not like or get along with them but they are always there no matter what. Family will stick with you through thin and thick. Family may do things we don’t like but it doesn’t matter. If we have a problem we can always run to them because they’re the ones who know us best. We should respect them because they will be there until the end.
Every family is unique in various ways so no person should sit around and say “Oh. I wish my family was like that." As long family is there and in someone’s life, people should appreciate it and cherish it. If there is ever a problem you should run to your family first before someone else outside of the family circle. Sometimes family doesn’t have to be the people you were born to but it can be someone you’ve known for a long time or someone they can run to when times are rough. But no one should ever turn their back on blood family because anything could happen and that may be the time they’ll need them the most. The best way to keep a family strong is communication. Talking things out is the best solution to a strong and healthy family. Everyone should pay attention to what one is thinking and feeling because the solution could become serious and dangerous. It is important because each member expresses their needs, wants, and concerns to each other and one wouldn’t be curious about why the member is acting that way. Each family communicates differently but it takes time and effort to get it right. Each family should be able to communicate without fear or judgment. Communication shouldn’t just be between adults it should be children also so as they get older they can communicate the same if they have a family in the future.
Problems in the family can affect the child the most. If a child sees their family falling apart they may think it’s their fault which could lead to low self esteem, low grades, or even drugs. The child may feel unloved, unheard, or misunderstood. Parents should talk to their kids daily to make sure their child gets at much attention as possible no matter what. When kids feel heard they are less angry, stressed, and more open to solving problems. Children will develop trust and start caring for their family more. One thing people should realize is you can choose your friends but you can’t choose your family. That’s just something to think about before anyone decides to give up on them because blood is thick and they are there for a reason.
What is a family? A family is a group of people who cares and love for each other. What defines a family? It means to love, trust, communicate, be together, and listen to each other. What makes a family? A family could be anything from a mother, father, sister, brother, cousin, aunt, uncle, or even a close friend. What makes a family stay together is that they all understand each other and what the meaning of family really means to one another. In a family each person should play a role which should affect the whole family.
On March 12, 2012 Girls Inc. joined JIW at a meeting and we talked about various topics. The most important thing we talked about was families. We learned that families are important because they support us, guide us, and love us unconditionally. Sometimes we may not like or get along with them but they are always there no matter what. Family will stick with you through thin and thick. Family may do things we don’t like but it doesn’t matter. If we have a problem we can always run to them because they’re the ones who know us best. We should respect them because they will be there until the end.
Every family is unique in various ways so no person should sit around and say “Oh. I wish my family was like that." As long family is there and in someone’s life, people should appreciate it and cherish it. If there is ever a problem you should run to your family first before someone else outside of the family circle. Sometimes family doesn’t have to be the people you were born to but it can be someone you’ve known for a long time or someone they can run to when times are rough. But no one should ever turn their back on blood family because anything could happen and that may be the time they’ll need them the most. The best way to keep a family strong is communication. Talking things out is the best solution to a strong and healthy family. Everyone should pay attention to what one is thinking and feeling because the solution could become serious and dangerous. It is important because each member expresses their needs, wants, and concerns to each other and one wouldn’t be curious about why the member is acting that way. Each family communicates differently but it takes time and effort to get it right. Each family should be able to communicate without fear or judgment. Communication shouldn’t just be between adults it should be children also so as they get older they can communicate the same if they have a family in the future.
Problems in the family can affect the child the most. If a child sees their family falling apart they may think it’s their fault which could lead to low self esteem, low grades, or even drugs. The child may feel unloved, unheard, or misunderstood. Parents should talk to their kids daily to make sure their child gets at much attention as possible no matter what. When kids feel heard they are less angry, stressed, and more open to solving problems. Children will develop trust and start caring for their family more. One thing people should realize is you can choose your friends but you can’t choose your family. That’s just something to think about before anyone decides to give up on them because blood is thick and they are there for a reason.
Monday, November 7, 2011
A Tasty Adventure in Spain
Editor Note: During the JIW year, the girls learn about how to make healthy lifestyle choices. Inspired by lessons, executive director E. Moss shares her reflections on her culinary adventure in a recent trip to Spain.
During my recent visit to Spain I was so amazed at the array of fresh fruits, vegetables, juices,cheese, breads,olives and seafood. So many fresh choices and full of color. Allow me to tell you about one of my New favorite fruits, simply called: "Melon" in Spain.
The real name is: Piel de sapo melon, and is one of the popular melons originated from Spain. It is widely available in Europe. Its Spanish name, when translated, means "toad skin." Obviously in reference to this fruit's green blotched rind. It is usually oval in shape and the inside is off-white to light yellow in color.
I was first introduced "melon" during our first night when I ordered room service of all things! Yes that's right, I ordered room service during my first night in country known for good late night cuisine and tapas! I was tired from being up for 36 hours due to travel, change of time zone, and from hitting the ground running to see the beautiful city of Barcelona. Needless to say I ordered a green salad and a fresh fruit salad. There it was, this mystery white fruit. I said why not, let's try it.... So glad I did. It was very sweet and full of flavor and juice. Love at first bite. I was on a quest to learn more about this fruit.
The next day we took a trip to the Market of la Boqueria. This is one of the largest markets in Barcelona, and has been open for a little over 100 years.It is known for its enormous selection of fresh fish and seafood, vegetables, fruit, cheeses, olives, ham, chocolate, nuts and any other food Spain is famous for. As soon as we enter I was greeted with an incredible contrast of colors of fresh produce and fresh squeezed juices. And then it hit me, surely this place has my new love- Melon?!? A few steps in I find what I think is Melon. I point to the already cut fruit that appears to be what I ate the night before, and ask the vendor to show me this fruit in it's rare form. She points and I capture a picture of this what I think is rare fruit. After all I have to share a picture of my new love with my friends and family. I also invest in some pre cut Melon along with some other favorites like mango, strawberry, grapes, pineapple and kiwi. All of this for 3 euros!
This is the story of my new love , Melon. I could not bring my love back with me, however I hear that I can get Melon in some fresh markets in Florida. I am on a quest.
~Hasta la próxima ( until next time)
During my recent visit to Spain I was so amazed at the array of fresh fruits, vegetables, juices,cheese, breads,olives and seafood. So many fresh choices and full of color. Allow me to tell you about one of my New favorite fruits, simply called: "Melon" in Spain.
The real name is: Piel de sapo melon, and is one of the popular melons originated from Spain. It is widely available in Europe. Its Spanish name, when translated, means "toad skin." Obviously in reference to this fruit's green blotched rind. It is usually oval in shape and the inside is off-white to light yellow in color.
I was first introduced "melon" during our first night when I ordered room service of all things! Yes that's right, I ordered room service during my first night in country known for good late night cuisine and tapas! I was tired from being up for 36 hours due to travel, change of time zone, and from hitting the ground running to see the beautiful city of Barcelona. Needless to say I ordered a green salad and a fresh fruit salad. There it was, this mystery white fruit. I said why not, let's try it.... So glad I did. It was very sweet and full of flavor and juice. Love at first bite. I was on a quest to learn more about this fruit.
The next day we took a trip to the Market of la Boqueria. This is one of the largest markets in Barcelona, and has been open for a little over 100 years.It is known for its enormous selection of fresh fish and seafood, vegetables, fruit, cheeses, olives, ham, chocolate, nuts and any other food Spain is famous for. As soon as we enter I was greeted with an incredible contrast of colors of fresh produce and fresh squeezed juices. And then it hit me, surely this place has my new love- Melon?!? A few steps in I find what I think is Melon. I point to the already cut fruit that appears to be what I ate the night before, and ask the vendor to show me this fruit in it's rare form. She points and I capture a picture of this what I think is rare fruit. After all I have to share a picture of my new love with my friends and family. I also invest in some pre cut Melon along with some other favorites like mango, strawberry, grapes, pineapple and kiwi. All of this for 3 euros!
This is the story of my new love , Melon. I could not bring my love back with me, however I hear that I can get Melon in some fresh markets in Florida. I am on a quest.
~Hasta la próxima ( until next time)
Wednesday, December 8, 2010
Happy Holidays from the Ladies of JIW!
Editor's Note: Every holiday season, the ladies from Journey into Womanhood participate in a volunteer project with Mayor Peyton's Senior Citizen Holiday Festival. Deryn Dabney, an 8th grade student in the JIW program shares her thoughts about the holiday giving program.
I had a great time at the Mayors Holiday Festival! Entering the convention center on Saturday, December 4, 2010 and seeing all the senior citizens in their Sunday best and some even in their costumes put a smile on my face. One of the good things about meeting the senior citizens is that everyone is happy and cheerful. No one was ever grouchy or unpleasant towards any of us. Serving the iced tea was hard work, but it actually turned out to be a fun experience! Next, we served the food and that was even more fun. Each and every person that I served food to was very nice and pleasant. Some of the seniors even exchanged small talk with me and my other JIW sisters. After we worked, we had a chance to eat too. I personally really enjoyed the food and hanging out with my friends. One of the good things about the Mayor’s Holiday Festival is seeing everyone interact with each other. It really lifts your Christmas spirit! The Mayors Holiday Festival is really a time to enjoy the Christmas atmosphere and interact with the senior citizens and just have a good time. I myself had a wonderful time as always and cannot wait until next year!
I had a great time at the Mayors Holiday Festival! Entering the convention center on Saturday, December 4, 2010 and seeing all the senior citizens in their Sunday best and some even in their costumes put a smile on my face. One of the good things about meeting the senior citizens is that everyone is happy and cheerful. No one was ever grouchy or unpleasant towards any of us. Serving the iced tea was hard work, but it actually turned out to be a fun experience! Next, we served the food and that was even more fun. Each and every person that I served food to was very nice and pleasant. Some of the seniors even exchanged small talk with me and my other JIW sisters. After we worked, we had a chance to eat too. I personally really enjoyed the food and hanging out with my friends. One of the good things about the Mayor’s Holiday Festival is seeing everyone interact with each other. It really lifts your Christmas spirit! The Mayors Holiday Festival is really a time to enjoy the Christmas atmosphere and interact with the senior citizens and just have a good time. I myself had a wonderful time as always and cannot wait until next year!
Monday, October 18, 2010
Fidelity Job Shadow
Saturday, October 9, 2010, the JIW girls took a trip to Fidelity for a job shadow. We arrived bright and early at the Fidelity building where we split up into groups and took a tour of the facilities. The four floors were filled with desks, computers, and conference rooms as should be expected from a large business. I've never seen all the insides of one before and it was really interesting. Like with everything I do, I related each thing I saw with some memory mini play in my mind. The conference rooms reminded me of the ones in Nemours where I attended a support group for parents who have children with epilepsy. One look around the room and I can imagine leading a workshop in such a room. The screen would display a powerpoint of my own design. The people sitting around the table would watch me attentively. Okay, maybe some would be dosing off but it would not be a result of my oratory skills. There's always a few of those. But I would be doing an amazing job if I may say so myself. On those computers, I could see myself typing out a new advertising idea or a news story. I would only be doing that until the book I'm working on at the moment gets big, of course. The point is, such a big company brought to my mind a future of successful ventures. It's an exciting feeling and it only got more so as the day went on.
After the tour, we broke up into smaller groups and were put into different rooms as certain employees talked about different topics with us. First, Miss Elizabeth talked to my group about getting ready for college and handling one's money the right way. I am a senior and already applying to colleges (at this moment, I've already applied to four) but there were still some things I learned from her. She took us through her average day for her as an employee at Fidelity and I had a nice time listening to her speak. When she was done, two other people came in and talked to us about owning a business. We started with a game where we pretended we were selling lemonade. It was not unlike an old cell phone game called lemonade stand that I used to play on my aunt's phone. We had to make the right business decisions throughout the game so that we came out with a profit instead of in debt. It was very enjoyable.
The groups converged for lunch where different employees sat with the groups and we got to ask them questions about their jobs and experiences. The person who sat closest to me was Miss Nininger. I already liked her when I saw her name on her nametag as I'm always a fan of interesting names. I spent a few seconds perfecting it after she told me how to say it. Nye-ning-grr. She was a delightful, hilarious and insightful woman. She told me about her history in college and the military and how she came to be an employee at Fidelity. Of everyone I had listened to that day, I loved her the most. The entire day was an experience that I thoroughly enjoyed and everyone was excellent. I think hearing from people in a business really helped the younger girls who wouldn't usually get to do something like this. That's the great thing about Journey Into Womanhood. It's a program that exposes us to vaulable experiences such as this. I'm always so grateful for them.
After the tour, we broke up into smaller groups and were put into different rooms as certain employees talked about different topics with us. First, Miss Elizabeth talked to my group about getting ready for college and handling one's money the right way. I am a senior and already applying to colleges (at this moment, I've already applied to four) but there were still some things I learned from her. She took us through her average day for her as an employee at Fidelity and I had a nice time listening to her speak. When she was done, two other people came in and talked to us about owning a business. We started with a game where we pretended we were selling lemonade. It was not unlike an old cell phone game called lemonade stand that I used to play on my aunt's phone. We had to make the right business decisions throughout the game so that we came out with a profit instead of in debt. It was very enjoyable.
The groups converged for lunch where different employees sat with the groups and we got to ask them questions about their jobs and experiences. The person who sat closest to me was Miss Nininger. I already liked her when I saw her name on her nametag as I'm always a fan of interesting names. I spent a few seconds perfecting it after she told me how to say it. Nye-ning-grr. She was a delightful, hilarious and insightful woman. She told me about her history in college and the military and how she came to be an employee at Fidelity. Of everyone I had listened to that day, I loved her the most. The entire day was an experience that I thoroughly enjoyed and everyone was excellent. I think hearing from people in a business really helped the younger girls who wouldn't usually get to do something like this. That's the great thing about Journey Into Womanhood. It's a program that exposes us to vaulable experiences such as this. I'm always so grateful for them.
Saturday, October 16, 2010
My best friend HANNAH BROMMER
Editor Note: Each June, the Journey into Womanhood program hosts a celebration where all the girls showcase thier talents in public speaking, dancing, singing, creative writing etc... This year Gabby a 7th grade student touched the audience with a moving story about her best friend Hannah and her battle with cancer. The entire JIW family came to know Hannah through Gabby's story at the banquet. On Saturday, October 9, Hannah Broomer lost her battle with cancer. We dedicate this blog post, to the memory of a brave little girl who showed us all the importance of persaverance, tenacity, humor and brought such joy to the Journey into Womanhood family. Below is a transcript of Gabby's speech at the 6th Annual Journey Into Womanhood Banquet.
When my friend Ashton and I called at 4:10 February 19th Hannah’s grandmother answered, we asked to speak to Hannah because she wasn’t at school Mrs. Nona (her grandma) said Hannah is having an operation!!!!!!!!!!! Once I heard that I cried to death, I couldn’t stop, I couldn’t breathe, I was that hurt I felt like a belly button cord ripped out of my stomach. Hannah is the first friend I ever had that cares and helps me with a lot of things. That day we found out that she was diagnosed with Rhabdomyosarcoma cancer. That type of cancer is the most common soft tissue tumor in children. Hannah is a STRAIGHT A student and well behaves, that doesn’t deserve this but good thing that it is a treatable cancer. But I hate the side effects. The Tumor is located behind her nose by her eye, she losing weight; she has a black eye because of her medicine that’s making her healthy again. One day on Sunday, March 21, 2010 9:38 PM,
It got very very emotional for Hannah. When Mrs. Brommer (her momma) brushed her hair after Hannah’s shower a lot of her hair started to come out. She was very distraught so Shelby (her sis), Jeff (her dad) and her momma just held her while she cried. When her mom tried brushing her hair before church they noticed it had matted into a tangled knot so her mom put it into a ponytail the best she could. Their hairdresser, Jerri, offered to cut it for her but Hannah just wasn't ready. Now Hannah had no other choice. No amount of conditioner would untangle the hair. So that afternoon, after a lot tears, Hannah let her momma cut it. Her sister and daddy held her hands while she did the best job a dental hygienist can do at cutting hair. She actually kind of liked it short and is thinking about getting a short wig now, although I hope Hannah won't worry about that...because we love her just the way she is.
Now if you have any questions about dealing with a friend or family members dealing with cancer, just ask me because now I know what it feels like to have someone very close to you that you love going through this nasty pain.
ALWAYS SAY SOMETHING FROM THE MY HEART. my best friend Hannah is a survivor, and she is here today to show her love and support for me and I would like to acknowledge her at this time.
When my friend Ashton and I called at 4:10 February 19th Hannah’s grandmother answered, we asked to speak to Hannah because she wasn’t at school Mrs. Nona (her grandma) said Hannah is having an operation!!!!!!!!!!! Once I heard that I cried to death, I couldn’t stop, I couldn’t breathe, I was that hurt I felt like a belly button cord ripped out of my stomach. Hannah is the first friend I ever had that cares and helps me with a lot of things. That day we found out that she was diagnosed with Rhabdomyosarcoma cancer. That type of cancer is the most common soft tissue tumor in children. Hannah is a STRAIGHT A student and well behaves, that doesn’t deserve this but good thing that it is a treatable cancer. But I hate the side effects. The Tumor is located behind her nose by her eye, she losing weight; she has a black eye because of her medicine that’s making her healthy again. One day on Sunday, March 21, 2010 9:38 PM,
It got very very emotional for Hannah. When Mrs. Brommer (her momma) brushed her hair after Hannah’s shower a lot of her hair started to come out. She was very distraught so Shelby (her sis), Jeff (her dad) and her momma just held her while she cried. When her mom tried brushing her hair before church they noticed it had matted into a tangled knot so her mom put it into a ponytail the best she could. Their hairdresser, Jerri, offered to cut it for her but Hannah just wasn't ready. Now Hannah had no other choice. No amount of conditioner would untangle the hair. So that afternoon, after a lot tears, Hannah let her momma cut it. Her sister and daddy held her hands while she did the best job a dental hygienist can do at cutting hair. She actually kind of liked it short and is thinking about getting a short wig now, although I hope Hannah won't worry about that...because we love her just the way she is.
Now if you have any questions about dealing with a friend or family members dealing with cancer, just ask me because now I know what it feels like to have someone very close to you that you love going through this nasty pain.
ALWAYS SAY SOMETHING FROM THE MY HEART. my best friend Hannah is a survivor, and she is here today to show her love and support for me and I would like to acknowledge her at this time.
Saturday, June 19, 2010
What Are You Staring At? - Epilepsy For The Dramatic
You hear all the time the stories of how someone so surprisingly found out about some condition that they have. They spent what felt like forever in the hospital, went through too much emotional trauma, and had to really push themselves through the experience. They learned to live with their condition/disease and from then on have been living a normal life. Those stories are always so inspirational. I can relate though my story is not quite the usual.
Someone told me the other day, “Man, you’ve been keeping yourself busy!” I realized at that exact moment, “Wow. Yeah, I guess I have.” In the past eight months, I started a club, became a H.O.P.E mentor, spoken at a high school for five different periods in one day about my own story, participated in a walk, started a teen support group, and changed my own perspective on the possibilities that I can open up. I look back and marvel and my own actions. “Have I really been doing that much since I found out?”
In late 2008, I started to feel funny. Sounds, odd but that’s how I described it at first. I kept getting these weird feelings about once a day that I found extremely difficult to explain because I forgot what happened as soon as they were over. The best description I could give my mother was, “there was this tingling or something.” They happened every day, once a day, at no specific time. I could only wait for it to come and hope it would not. But it would. It reached its worst when it happened during a birthday party. Not mine, thank goodness but it was still extremely embarrassing. I remember it so vividly (as cliché as that sounds). The party was for the baby of someone who used to be our neighbor. They now have a house down at the beach. It took place there. I was walking to the kitchen for desert when suddenly; my legs could no longer hold me up. I collapsed right in the entrance of the kitchen. Thank goodness my mother was right behind me. Like the beast she is, she dove for me. Her hands were right under my head, cradling it as I fell and lay between the kitchen and dining room. Like always, the spell only lasted a few seconds and I was back and feeling like crap. I immediately got up, looked around at the people staring at me wondering what the hell just happened then ran to the restroom to cry my eyes out. My mother stood outside, waiting on me and trying to comfort me through the door. I hated that, being comforted I mean. I hate when people try to comfort me. That is just how I am. I personally would rather do it myself than feel worse while they try to make me feel better.
That was the first time in public and the first time my mother got to witness it first hand. After that, it was doctor time. We could no longer try to figure it out ourselves. This thing was getting out of hand. We went to the emergency room and told them what was happening. Like before with my mother, I tried my best to explain how the “moments,” as my mother started to call them, felt. My memory of them became fuzzier the further from the last episode I was. We spent hours in the emergency room as they took blood and did a few tests I still am not sure about. It was the next day before they finally came in and told me what they thought it was and I could not believe it. I had epilepsy.
‘SWEET MERCIFUL CRAP, ARE YOU KIDDING ME?!’
My thoughts were something along those lines. What else was I supposed to be thinking? Just the other day, I figured it was just some random thing happening to me that would just go away. Now I had epilepsy? Did they have to put a frickin name to it? Wait a minute, would I be convulsing the next day? What I’ve been having aren’t seizures, were they? I just stared off into space and if I was standing, I fell. Is that epilepsy?
I couldn’t think straight. I couldn’t concentrate. I could not believe what was happening to me. To my surprise, my mother looked more freaked out than I did. Then again, she was always the more expressive one. I just sat on the hospital bed, staring ahead in shock. Holy crapzits.
I don’t remember much after that. They gave me the most generic brand of epilepsy medicine, told me to see how it worked and check back if it did nothing then sent us on our way. My mother kind of forced me to stay with her at night so she could watch me. Apparently, I seize more in my sleep than that one time during the day. We waited a few days and watched. Nothing changed. The Keppra (Levetiracetam) did not seem to do anything to stop the “seizures.” It felt terrible to call them that! They actually increased in frequency which was extremely aggravating.
A few days after I left that emergency room, a guy at my school was having a birthday party, a really nice birthday party at a hotel with a cool runway and a photographer and a dance floor and the works. I had not talked to this guy since middle school (I’m in high school now) so imagine my surprise when I got an invitation. I almost did not go. Ironically, having epilepsy might have been my only reason for going. I wanted to prove to myself that this would not rule my life. I wanted to be able to go to a nice party, have fun and just forget about the epilepsy for the night. So here comes the party. I walk in looking like a boss. My mom just has to stop and tell the birthday boy’s mother that I had epilepsy and might have a “moment” but it would go away in a few seconds and I would be fine. It aggravated me because I wanted that to remain unknown but whatever, I would ignore that and just go in and have a good time. I walked in, putting on my most confident face. There was a photographer at the door, taking pics of people as they walked down the fake runway that ran from the door to the wall opposite it. I strutted a moment then took a seat close to the door (just in case). Things were fun. There was a slideshow of the birthday boy’s childhood which was absolutely adorable and hilarious that played for a little at the beginning.
Read on to learn more about the program:
http://www.allvoices.com/users/truquesttojordan
Someone told me the other day, “Man, you’ve been keeping yourself busy!” I realized at that exact moment, “Wow. Yeah, I guess I have.” In the past eight months, I started a club, became a H.O.P.E mentor, spoken at a high school for five different periods in one day about my own story, participated in a walk, started a teen support group, and changed my own perspective on the possibilities that I can open up. I look back and marvel and my own actions. “Have I really been doing that much since I found out?”
In late 2008, I started to feel funny. Sounds, odd but that’s how I described it at first. I kept getting these weird feelings about once a day that I found extremely difficult to explain because I forgot what happened as soon as they were over. The best description I could give my mother was, “there was this tingling or something.” They happened every day, once a day, at no specific time. I could only wait for it to come and hope it would not. But it would. It reached its worst when it happened during a birthday party. Not mine, thank goodness but it was still extremely embarrassing. I remember it so vividly (as cliché as that sounds). The party was for the baby of someone who used to be our neighbor. They now have a house down at the beach. It took place there. I was walking to the kitchen for desert when suddenly; my legs could no longer hold me up. I collapsed right in the entrance of the kitchen. Thank goodness my mother was right behind me. Like the beast she is, she dove for me. Her hands were right under my head, cradling it as I fell and lay between the kitchen and dining room. Like always, the spell only lasted a few seconds and I was back and feeling like crap. I immediately got up, looked around at the people staring at me wondering what the hell just happened then ran to the restroom to cry my eyes out. My mother stood outside, waiting on me and trying to comfort me through the door. I hated that, being comforted I mean. I hate when people try to comfort me. That is just how I am. I personally would rather do it myself than feel worse while they try to make me feel better.
That was the first time in public and the first time my mother got to witness it first hand. After that, it was doctor time. We could no longer try to figure it out ourselves. This thing was getting out of hand. We went to the emergency room and told them what was happening. Like before with my mother, I tried my best to explain how the “moments,” as my mother started to call them, felt. My memory of them became fuzzier the further from the last episode I was. We spent hours in the emergency room as they took blood and did a few tests I still am not sure about. It was the next day before they finally came in and told me what they thought it was and I could not believe it. I had epilepsy.
‘SWEET MERCIFUL CRAP, ARE YOU KIDDING ME?!’
My thoughts were something along those lines. What else was I supposed to be thinking? Just the other day, I figured it was just some random thing happening to me that would just go away. Now I had epilepsy? Did they have to put a frickin name to it? Wait a minute, would I be convulsing the next day? What I’ve been having aren’t seizures, were they? I just stared off into space and if I was standing, I fell. Is that epilepsy?
I couldn’t think straight. I couldn’t concentrate. I could not believe what was happening to me. To my surprise, my mother looked more freaked out than I did. Then again, she was always the more expressive one. I just sat on the hospital bed, staring ahead in shock. Holy crapzits.
I don’t remember much after that. They gave me the most generic brand of epilepsy medicine, told me to see how it worked and check back if it did nothing then sent us on our way. My mother kind of forced me to stay with her at night so she could watch me. Apparently, I seize more in my sleep than that one time during the day. We waited a few days and watched. Nothing changed. The Keppra (Levetiracetam) did not seem to do anything to stop the “seizures.” It felt terrible to call them that! They actually increased in frequency which was extremely aggravating.
A few days after I left that emergency room, a guy at my school was having a birthday party, a really nice birthday party at a hotel with a cool runway and a photographer and a dance floor and the works. I had not talked to this guy since middle school (I’m in high school now) so imagine my surprise when I got an invitation. I almost did not go. Ironically, having epilepsy might have been my only reason for going. I wanted to prove to myself that this would not rule my life. I wanted to be able to go to a nice party, have fun and just forget about the epilepsy for the night. So here comes the party. I walk in looking like a boss. My mom just has to stop and tell the birthday boy’s mother that I had epilepsy and might have a “moment” but it would go away in a few seconds and I would be fine. It aggravated me because I wanted that to remain unknown but whatever, I would ignore that and just go in and have a good time. I walked in, putting on my most confident face. There was a photographer at the door, taking pics of people as they walked down the fake runway that ran from the door to the wall opposite it. I strutted a moment then took a seat close to the door (just in case). Things were fun. There was a slideshow of the birthday boy’s childhood which was absolutely adorable and hilarious that played for a little at the beginning.
Read on to learn more about the program:
http://www.allvoices.com/users/truquesttojordan
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