A Child Named "U"

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 o 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.

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