Epilepsy .... A part of me

During the three years since I was diagnosed with epilepsy I have come to terms with it somewhat and have adjusted to the changes that such a diagnoses brings. I am used to the feelings of déjà vu and I am used to losing parts of my day. I am now used to the twitches and headaches that accompany epilepsy and I have adapted my thinking to recognise potential dangers. I don't go out on my own if I don't feel well and I wear a medical alert band.

While I wouldn't choose to have epilepsy I refuse to let it control my life. Epilepsy has just become a part of me. Unfortunately sometimes other people don't think like that. Some people think that having epilepsy means you are damaged. That isn't true.

My name is Jade I am 25 years old, I have dark hair and green eyes. I live by the sea but I dislike sand and the way it feels on my toes. I love superheroes and comic books so I guess you could say I am a bit of a geek. I was born in the summer and that might be why I love the sun so much. I hate the cold. I have some great friends and sometimes I laugh with them so much that my sides hurt. I am a mormon and I go to church every Sunday. I am clumsy and would make a rubbish ballerina. I get upset when I watch sad movies and I love my cat. I have had my heart broken and I have lost people I love. I have a huge dislike of bullies and I have cried tears over unkind words that have been spoken. My hair straightener is one of my favourite possessions and I am afraid of the dark.I am an individual just like you. I have my own personality and my own quirks just like you. One of my differences is that I have epilepsy. You can not see my illness but that does not mean it isn't there. It affects my life and the way I live it but it doesn't change who I am.I am not damaged, broken or weak. I am just me. I am unique.