Don’t Feel Sorry For Me Because I Have Epilepsy

It’s never easy when someone that you know or someone that you love has just been diagnosed with a chronic illness. What can you say to show that you care about them and the challenges they must face? Oftentimes, it seems as though the only words to offer are, “I’m sorry.” As if the sun will no longer shine and tears of heartache will flow endlessly like a waterfall.

Yet I say to those who genuinely or without thought offer sympathy, don’t feel sorry for me because I have epilepsy.

Don’t feel sorry for me because:

• I’m glad I was given a second chance in life.
• I learned the true meaning of gratitude.
• Fractured relationships with family have repaired themselves and grown so strong.
• I’ve fallen in love with taking the truest care of my health.
• The littlest of things capture my attention and heart.
• It is apparent how fleeting time is so I do best to set fear and worry on the sidelines and live.
• I make sure to try and never go a day without telling those that I love, “I love you.” Three words, three magnificant, meaningful words.
• I’ve been given an opportunity to offer solace, hope and motivation to those who are on the same journey as I. Within this circumstance I feel honored and I smile.
• Rather than hide behind my condition in shame, I stand on high, shouting and proclaim. Yes I have epilepsy. No it is not ideal, but I refuse to let it keep me down. This is my life and it doesn’t have me.
• My relationship with my Lord and Savior has strengthened hard as rock. My rock in whom I take refuge in troublesome times.

Would you rather people not feel sorry for you because of your epilepsy? What reasons would you give? Share in the comment section!