Southie's Corner - All About Epilepsy (Journalistic Writings)
 

Time Is Now
 

TIME IS NOW

Sun began to set and moon began to rise,
As I looked down upon my bed, I left a heavy sigh.
Shall the nocturnal come with its own silent surprise?
As I pondered, lying down to slumber, for suddenly without a cry;
For within and without, no knowledge in store,
It had struck without a warning,
Whereas confused and dazed than before,
That it has left me in the morning;
Alas, the body is aching and sore!

Seizure has struck, attacking me as before,
Repetitiously, ruthlessly, leaving one at its mercy!
Sadly one must endure with in its own reigns galore;
For this Epilepsy should be considered a "Grand Larceny"!
Medications here, Medications there, with titration to no end,
Some are mind blowing, while others are God-send!
Poked and prodded endlessly, blood levels must be checked,
In and out, constant routine, never seem to end,
Alas, Epilepsy, a nightmare that is certainly not blessed!

Fears within, and fears without, how long must one endure?
The quest to press on, never knowing when seizure impart;
For such leaves one wide out in the open, victims for sure!
Never knowing what lies in depth, for one can depart!
It affects and effects one and all, a burdensome constraining;
Lack of understanding and strain imposed, a burden to carry,
It knows no boundaries, nor its victims, which are gaining,
Like sands of the sea, victims are many, ages vary,
Alas, Epilepsy, mean, cruel, and growth ever-abounding!

Solitude, Peace, No more Seizures, those with Epilepsy cry out,
Neuroscience and Scientist prevail with ongoing research,
Moving quickly at rapid pace, scurrying all about,
People with Epilepsy are dying, others injured and on the lurch;
With hopes that one day, cure would come eliminating this thing,
All working together as a team, efforts are slowly advancing.
Progression have been made; many are left behind for a time being,
Medications with side effects, the needs are expanding,
Alas, Epilepsy, there is a time for action, for that time is NOW.

Sharon - Nov. 24, 2008

Storms of Epilepsy
 

Storms of Epilepsy

Rushing, mighty winds
Splitting towering masts
Over the rudder bends
Nary have the waves blasted!

Shattering the billows in its wings
Mighty force it sustains
Tossing back and forth, it brings
'Tis storm if ever refrains!

Then comes the silver lining
Shipwrecked completely on the shore
Water logged and wearied binding
Recuperate, rebuild, and sail once more!

Epilepsy is so much similar
Sadly, one must report!
Repetitiously; all too familiar
Enduring it all, without any resort!

For true Admirals are they
Without navigation, radars, or charts
Endurance through it all night or day
Knowing not what lies before them imparts!

Sharon - Nov. 24, 2008

Give Us A Chance
 

GIVE US A CHANCE

Traditionalist to mystified abstract
I am a painter, and unique at that
Posted at galleries, ribbons, trophies, surrounds
Awards given, honors and newspaper an article abounds
Looking around for my elite taste and more
Desiring of my background which I won’t bore
Learning of my Epilepsy, they do a backwards prance
All I ask is give me a chance

Rhythms echo down the halls
Musicians put forth best that wails down the walls
Singers belt out the lovely tunes
While people dance to the music’s swoons
Rushing to our bands, Managers with contracts in hand before
Desiring of our background which we won’t bore
Learning of our Epilepsy, they do a backwards prance
All we ask is give us a chance

Eloquent, Intelligent, Education choice supreme
Corporations drool with utmost dream
Phones ringing off the hook with contracts of deal
Much I must ponder, for many are a steal
However, the time has come; one elect inquires more
Desiring of my background which I won’t bore
Learning of my Epilepsy, they do a backwards prance
All I ask is give me a chance

I am just a Schoolchild as you can see
I can do anything as everyone else if you please
I can run, jump, draw, and play
I can do anything whatever you say
When they come across to my mommy for more
Desiring of my background which I won’t bore
Learning of my Epilepsy, they do a backwards prance
All I ask is give me a chance

I have played baseball since I was a young
Always practiced the moment Spring has sprung
Coaches and teammates are quite pleased with me
For my average is sky high; as you can see
All the while yet, the Scouts from Pros inquired for more
Desiring of my background which I won’t bore
Learning of my Epilepsy, they do a backwards prance
All I ask is give me a chance

Discrimination abounds so greatly all over
It is the same story moreover
Young and old affected within and without
Leaving us fighting with a shout
As everyone inquires within for more
Desiring of our background which we won’t bore
Learning of our Epilepsy, they do a backwards prance
All we ask is give us a chance


Sharon - Nov. 26, 2008

Rocking on AEDS (Humorous)
 

Rocking on AEDS (Humorous)

I'm rocking on anti-epileptic drugs which is a smash
Tossing them all into the cocktail, it is a bash!
Oh, baby, I am seeing a spider on the wall
It is dancing in sheer delight with a fuzz ball!
Oh, baby, I am on an AEDS cocktail spree
I am downright staggering like a drunk you see!
Your thoughts, don't you dare try to compare
With everyone, everything, that is out there!
Daytime, Nighttime; what is that?
All around me, for I have lost track!
Oh, baby, I am on an AEDS cocktail spree
Am I awake or sleepy, I cannot perceive!
Isn't this lovely my cognitive functioning
Is all now one hundred percent malfunctioning!
Normalcy; is that a reality?
Alternatively, is that some type of malady?
Oh, baby, I am on an AEDS cocktail spree
The longing cost of being seizure-free!
This is very asinine, come right now
Hearing things, seeing things, and how!
Titrations up and down, never liking this sound
Never knowing where I will abound!
Oh, baby, I am on an AEDS cocktail spree
The side effects are hideous as you can see!
For now, I witness myself in a déjà vu
I am no 'psychic', nor a Ghost - "BOO!"
Freaking out people is not what I desired
Loved ones are astonished; and I, wired!
Oh, baby, I am on an AEDS cocktail spree
Anti-epileptic drugs do strange things, "Yes, Sir-ee!"


Sharon - Nov. 26, 2008

Then... (In Tribute to those who lost their lives to SUDEP)
 

Then... (In Tribute to those who lost their lives to SUDEP)

A cooing baby rests
Nursing on his mother’s breasts
Proud father goes on with his dreams
Of his future son’s sports schemes
While Grandparents stand in the midst
Wallowing in ‘Spoiling Grandson’ list
Months have grown by
Son has no longer become shy
Now talking and walking
Then all of a sudden while sleeping
Parents hear a scary cry, sounding eerie inside
Rising from their sleep, rushing to his side
Immediately the father makes a phone call
Suddenly the Medics and Ambulance Tech are in the hall,
Transported immediately to the Hospital
THEN ….

Exhausted, but excited, now fiancée is off the phone
Glazing at her new rock, which she was stuck to her like Super Glue
Laughing hard, was the fiancé who was in sheer delight
For this entire dramatic event was just a pure sight
For the “Future” In-Laws were already making plans
Bickering how it all will come into plan
For yet has there been a wedding date ever been set
And ‘twas yet, to everyone’s amusement, the Bride is beset
While the future Groom kissed his future Bride goodnight
Not knowing that fate lied in sight
While everyone headed to slumber
His fiancée decided to lumber
Overwhelmed with all the decisions of the wedding
As soon as the sun rose the next morning
Mother checked in; Medics called, transported to the Hospital
THEN ….

Proud Mama rooted and watched with a gleam
As her daughter continued gaining points on the balance beam
Gymnastics was always her forte, while in band played the flute
While her seizures were fully controlled, she was wild and witty as a hoot
Her Mama always demanded the best
For her grade point averages excelled above the rest
Universities expressed their interest with her in mind
Scholarships everywhere in the mail, for graduation was not far behind
Mama and daughter was quite a pair
Everything between them they had to share
Then one day something tragic happened which was unexplained
“Mama, I don’t feel right”, daughter loudly proclaimed
Mama rushed to her aid, and phoned the Doctor, “Help me”
Office inquired what had happened, all they heard was “Seize”
Mama hung up on them, phoned 9-1-1, and off they went to the Hospital
THEN …

Tears, flowing down, for this cannot be real
Please, someone please, tell me that this is all surreal
For we have just been told
S U D E P has been unfold
Taking our loved ones lives away
So quickly, so suddenly; at loss for words that one can say
This is so unfair, never having a chance at life
Instead of happiness, now we must deal with strife
We look at the casket, such sweet face abounds
Tears, flowing down, we cannot stop the crying sounds
Someone, please tell us cause of this tragedy?
Someone, please tell us how to stop this malady?
Epilepsy, is that what is was? Buried now with deepest sorrows
Embracing of their memories, forever and all of our tomorrows

Sharon - Nov. 30, 2008

Would You Kindly Please Hold My Hand?
 

Would You Kindly Please Hold My Hand?

Would you kindly please hold my hand?
While I endure throughout this life’s land
Untamed, wild and without any control
That has beaten down my trodden soul
Wilderness, like no man has gone before
Yet, I wander through this more and more!

Yearning for some peace, all I ask is for your hand!
Be by my side, while I walk through this desert sand
Fiery heat, and parched for water, I thirst!
Sore and aching muscles borne, it all came first
Just like a lost wanderer, I pressed on just as fore
Moreover, onward I walk, more and more!

Would you please be so kind, gently take me by the hand?
Lead me and guide me, so loneliness would not take its stand
Here I am alone, all wearied and without understanding
Knowing not what lies ahead that all withstanding
Epilepsy, is loathe upon, right down to the very core
In addition, I must carry on, more and more!


Sharon - Nov. 30, 2008

A Husband's Poem (Tribute to MVA/TBI Victims who sustained Epilepsy)
 

A HUSBAND'S POEM
(Tribute to MVA/TBI Victims who sustained Epilepsy)


Alarm is ringing; I hate Monday morning
Sluggishly half dressed, grabbing the coffee
There on T.V., learning of traffic, once again; groaning
Grabbing a store-bought Cream Cheese, turned out to be Toffee
Always disliked Murphy's Law of what will go wrong
Wishing the author whoever penned it
Ouch! Now I have four cuts on my face from singing a song
At the office, I am going to look like a total idiot!

Dressed up; Ready to go, heading outside, there is snow!
Heavily I sighed, wishing I were on vacation
Grabbing the snow blower, ice pick, all set and ready to go
Backing up, thinking of how nice to be in warmer part of the nation
Sliding here, sliding there, as I drive along the highways
Electing to change my attitude to a positive style
There I see many vehicles, stranded on the byways
Back to singing my song, intending to arrive with a big smile

At the intersection, just merely 5 blocks away
Just off the phone with my wife, told her "I'm safe, Love you!"
Then something happen, left everyone in absolute sway
This cannot be real, for no one can believe this was true
A semi-truck blew out his tire, all that occurred, I cannot forgo
Tipping over, for everything happened in a flash
His tractor went that way; his trailer spilled all of its cargo
Collapsing on my car shattering glass, leaving all of its stash

Remembering nothing else, but being in the Hospital room
There by my side was my faithful wife and the Neurosurgeon
Confused, dazed, fearful, and feeling complete doom
Overhearing the Surgeon telling my wife, "He just had a seizure."
Where am I? Why does my head hurt so much?
My loving wife being by my side was a pleaser
As days went by, having brain surgery, improved such

These pills, are called anti-epileptic drugs, I feel wired
Teaching me, ever learning about Epilepsy
Learning that I am a victim, telling me the truth, never lied
Adjustments to be made, would make one tipsy
My head was spinning trying to comprehend it all
Once they gave me a release to go home, I was itsy
My wife had sorely missed me, yet she stood tall!

With my driver's license on hold, as I had been told
It blew my mind that I had all these Doctors I must see
Appointments already set-up and scheduled
Mesmerized of how one could have all these
Once arriving home, all re-arranged leaving me puzzled
Loving wife informs me, Social Worker will be here in a moment
Bewildered was I, leaving me in a total fog
Social Worker comes and explains the purpose with much conferment
Sheepishly, I was interested more, playing with my dog!

Months came, and months went, my medications all balanced out
My own Boss and Employer keep in touch with the progress and me
Was getting cooped up, cramped, and wanted out
Determined to be back at work, Doctors kept saying, "We will see"
Getting really cranking, with the seizures, that would pop up sporadically
I had always thought Epilepsy was something "evil"
This is ridiculous, there has to be a better way, realistically
Having regrets, I admit I made to those who had seizures I wanted to shrivel!

Time now has come, when now told I can return to work
Alarm rang; I bounced out of bed on Monday morning,
Instead of grumbling as I used to do, I was a good sport
Took my meds, ate breakfast, taking the railway transit instead of driving
Arriving back at my employment, there, everyone was glad to see me
Felt wonderful to be back in my office, ever grateful to be alive
From that time forth and thereon, spite of some days missed, I was free
Ever grateful for the Neurology and Neurosurgeon, I would not survive!

Epilepsy will always be with me, it will ever stay
I am alive and that is important, full of wondrous peace
As for my wife, she has been supportive, never been away
Our marriage is stronger, for our love for each other is at ease
I must stress our faithfulness will endure forever
For better or worse, the vows held intact
Went out, bought her an expensive new diamond wedding band moreover
Telling her to throw away the cheap one, for she's priceless, it's a fact!


Sharon - Dec. 3, 2008

Yearnings (Intractable / Refractory)
 

YEARNINGS (Intractable / Refractory)

Normalcy, is what I long for
What is it like on the other side?
Never experiencing this before
All in my life, I take this in a stride
Mockery, Teasing, such the like and more
In shame, bowing my head and cried
It pierces my heart to the core
Gone is my esteem and all of my pride!
Epilepsy, has left me a in total bore
Isolation, rejection, displaced, joked in snide
All this, must endure, constantly evermore!
Strict in schedule, my medications I must abide
Forever, my life, a prisoner, no where to go a fore
Seizures will never cease, always will by my side
Until the day I pass away, the yearning remains to explore!

Sharon - Dec. 6, 2008

Why Does Not Anyone Understand Us?
 

Why Does Not Anyone Understand Us?

Why does not anyone understand us?
Having seizures is not our fault
Suddenly, it happens, even on a bus!
Crowds gather, raising quite a talk
She is faking it, they all say
Expecting seizures to be only in this fashion
Not aware of others, leaving one in absolute sway
Knowledge severely lacking, expecting a lot of thrashing
Yet others see and do declare He is a fluke
Cops see him as drunken, pulling out the tasers
Postictal is he, just now been declared mentally impute
She ends up in a Mental Hospital, while he lands in Jail
Deprived of their much needed medication
Which they begged and pleaded without avail
In addition, they both are in continuous explanation
Declared was she as psychiatric, he was charged with crime!
Epilepsy is not all what one thinks it ought to be and perceived
Their Neurologists learned of their plight rescued them in time
Emotionally traumatic for both, but he fell down and seized
She underwent counseling; unfortunately, he died
Fear consumed her thoughts, while S U D E P took his life
Grieving and angry family attended to his funeral and cried
While she went on in trying hard dealing with this strife
Why does not anyone understand us?
We will always suffer as we continue to fight
Still constantly, ignored with much fuss
Rising up our voice, with fervor; bringing Epilepsy to light!

Sharon - Dec. 10, 2008

Hi Southie,
After reading your journal I feel that you should consider having it made into a book. You do a great job with your writing. There's been a study done that many people that have E like to write and play music. I know my epi told me that people with TLE are very well known to write and get into music. I look at Elton John, Beethoven, Bach, Agatha Christy, Einsteen and many others who have written and played music and it makes me see that all these people have this talent and each of them has E. Here's wishing you well and May God Bless You!

Sue

Love people not things
Use things not people.

Thanks Sue for your kind words!

:)

New Day of Restoration
 

New day of restoration
All forth come into light
With the truth into manifestation
No more the need to fight
Epilepsy has come to recognition
Comes forth all the insight
All has reached its destination
No longer scorned to everyone's delight
Rightfully in its own classification
Discrimination vanquished; battle's over, all its might
Unwavering battling soldiers; with much appreciation
Such a new day of restoration surely be a sight
Eternal flame now burning forever, without hesitation
Everyone, all aglow, rejoicing evermore day and night


Sharon - Jan. 3, 2009