Different

We're all different.  That is what makes us unique.  So when many will say just that, and how beautiful different is, then why are there so many stereotypes, social stigmas and generalizations made about people with disabilities? 

If you are reading this blog, you likely have a connection to a person with epilepsy.  Our son, Caleb, dealt with the sterotyping of "Autism" when he was first diagnosed with that, and then we dealt with seizures and Epilepsy.  Once he was too weak, and we had to use a wheelchair for him- most people were kind, but they talked as though he weren't there.  Before the wheelchair days, I'm not sure what they thought...I usually focused on Caleb and helping him- instead of dealing with the looks, and negativity.  I am a pretty thick skinned person- however, it is difficult to deal with glaring eyes, sighs, and "deal with your child" looks when things aren't going well.  But, I quickly decided to not care about what others thought, and do what I needed to do- which was take care of Caleb.  His needs came first- regardless of where we were, what was going on, or who was around.  We did not restrict what we did with others, as long as he could tolerate it physically.  We in fact did as much as possible with him for as long as we could- just not putting his health at risk. 

Different is okay, in fact in our experience, without different, without Epilepsy we would not have met some very beautiful people that helped us through our journey.  Caleb's journey was full of difficulties, but he taught us so much from his short life.  Learning to live, to find joy in simple things, to smile and cherish it, to be grateful for all we are so bountifully blessed with, to find hope in the darkness and to believe that different really is beautiful- these are just some of the many lessons we have been so blessed to make a part of our every day living.

Epilepsy should not claim you, it should not define you or your loved one-- no disability should.  Hold up the hands of the child or family member with disabilities, treat them with love and respect, insist that others around them treat them with love and respect.  Teach others about Epilepsy, find ways to share information.  Be the Blessing.

- Beth

Seizure Dogs

While we never had a trained seizure dog, I can tell you from experience, that our sweet dog, Abby, knew when Caleb (our son) was seizing.  She knew he was different from the start.  He didn't know how to play, so when we'd go outside, she'd gently take his hand in her mouth and lead him around the yard.  He loved her, and would just smile and laugh.  When his seizures started, she would lay quietly on the floor wherever he was, and she would stay until they quit.  When Caleb passed away, she sat on his place on the loveseat and whined for him, she knew he was gone.

Dogs are intuitive, they understand words, they have heightened senses that we aren't in tune with.  When people have seizures there are chemicals in your body that are released that some dogs pick up on, there are also visual cues that many people are not aware of that dogs pick up on.  And a seizure is an electrical discharge, another thing dogs could potentially pick up on.

Many people with epilepsy also have other co-morbidities, such as developmental delay, or Autism.  Dogs can be trained to address whatever specific disability that a person has.  Dogs are social, and can be extremely beneficial to children who are at risk of falling or wandering.

There are long waiting lists, but Seizure Dogs can be obtained free of charge through some great providers:

Canine Assistants
www.canineassistants.org

Other Links (some of them providing for free):
www.autismservicedogsofamerica.com
www.PALSwithPawz.org
www.4pawsforability.org
www.protraindog.com
www.autism.wilderwood.org

For more information on benefits of Seizure Dogs, follow this link: http://www.epilepsyadvocate.com/resources/seizure-response-dogs.aspx?src=UCB-VMP-CNS-GOO-2010-0-PS-0&utm_source=Google&utm_medium=Paid%20Search&utm_term=dogs%20for%20epilepsy&utm_content=Canine%20Assistance&utm_campaign=VMP
Dogs are wonderful companions, and can be trained to truly be a help in the uncertainty of Epilepsy.  One of the biggest struggles and "disabilities" about epilepsy is not knowing when a seizure will occur, having a dog to be able to warn families, or to warn the individual is an amazing blessing. 

Blessings to each of you on your journey.

Beth