The Story of U

[RobinN]

Here's the link to the story I found online...

Once upon a time, there was a child brought into this world with so much potential. The child's name was "U", as the story is applicable for both a boy and girl. Instead of a name, we will give this child a diagnosis called epilepsy. Childhood came and took with it U's memories. Kid's games were not played, fun was at a minimum, and U was not cheerful or lighthearted, as were the other children. The simple most carefree years of U's life were not.

Seizures labeled U as odd. U became a recluse doing solitary things:
reading, swinging at recess to avoid other mean-spirited children, and bicycle riding, when health permitted. Teachers were ignorant of
epilepsy so they did not teach other children that fancied mean names for U. Ignorance proliferated concerning epilepsy and few resources were there as trusted information clearinghouses. Trusted friends that accepted the uniqueness of U weren't there. Strength, determination, resilience were U's trademarks; U matured quickly as there was no choice. Few understood this fear-producing disorder and few wanted to deal with it. Much like today.

U rode the medicine-merry-go-round, rather than attending amusement parks. Although U rode that carousel of assorted drugs, few helped. Side effects were more visible than health.

This built character, but at a high price. As U got older, the same kids that invented derogatory names began to mature. Maturity was not enough
to trample down the stigmas related to epilepsy, so U had one, reliable friend-with the name of U.

As driver's licenses were obtained by U's peers, independence was not a privilege for U. Dating became the rage but U could not find a person
special enough to like U's wonderful qualities or love U. U became a professional bystander, not because that was the goal; society's fears made it so.

U had two choices: to be confident, secure and optimistic in spite of everything or to withdraw. The choice was to have the winning combination of resolve as strong as steel and determination. Ignorance was bliss for U where friendship, a date and a compassionate circle of friends were concerned. U imagined the feeling of total acceptance, but these were rare moments. They were not productive.

Job history was absent throughout U's entire adult life. Seizure episodes mysteriously terminated U's jobs. The reason for dismissal was never "epilepsy". Lies appeared like "Insufficient worker" or "hard to deal with". These would blackmail U but no sufficient evidence existed to prove otherwise. These fallacies hurt U's job prospects in years to come. U lost because of the stupidity of others.

In regards being hired, U was like a catch 22 on a teen's first job. Companies wanted experience but unless somebody allows the teen to earn
it, the job prospect is null. U needed that chance; U could have proved abilities, competence and worth. Luckily, a "normal" teen outgrows this Catch 22. Companies lost a competent, reliable employee but U missed feeling rewarded and independent. With age, the job of teaching society fell upon U. Telling others with epilepsy and seizures to expect and demand more out of life was the essential goal. Doing the job nobody else had done before wasn't bothersome because if others benefited, U won.

I'll ask as an observer, must U's life repeat in children all over the world because of a diagnosis called epilepsy? Children are the future's adults and must they lose at the game of life on a never-ending cycle?

Must those diagnosed with epilepsy be their sole cheerleaders and advocates? Must one struggling with a chronic disorder muster the power of a one-man army? Would you think that is necessary and the worlds only choice? If you answered "yes" your mind is closed but it can be opened if you want it to be.

Your realization that every human being, ill, normal, or with seizures, paves our future paths. Don't follow what everyone else does regardless if copying their actions ignores a major health condition. Stigma is another word for LIE. Anyone can speak the truth concerning epilepsy. 300,000 estimated children with epilepsy in the USA would thank you for opening your mind and your heart. Rarely great things happen resulting from fate without human effort. Landmark, groundbreaking things happen if all of us take control. Our little lives are important, but we must know we can change others' destinies. Preventing another pathetic story of an anonymous "U" from being written is noteworthy. The question is, do you want to?

Speaking for all the "U"s of the world, I was a U and still am. Consider how magnificent your influence could be in the lives strangers. When you act with integrity as your compass, you'll truly know how positive the repercussions from your actions will affect you.

http://www.suite101.com/article.cfm/epilepsy/43594

[Shelley]

I does sound so much like what I went through.
I have few friends, but they are the best.