Appreciation of the Simple Things
"Love of the Common People is candidly written yet all the more effective. It speaks of the happiness and contentment which some so-called 'insignificant' people have when love is one of their assets. Prayer is always around to give them answers to otherwise hopeless circumstances. They do not own satisfactory living quarters or clothes or a lot of things that bring joy to some people - but they have each other, and God is a major part of them."
Seventeen years later, I didn't dig this out of my archives to do a religious commentary but rather to elaborate on my words of yesteryear. I know that when I was twenty-two, I was still on Tegretol and it was working fairly well. I was never seizure free, but little did I know that when I approached my mid thirties the hormonal fluctuations would cause major upheaval.
I didn't know at twenty-two there would be a time when I could say, "my seizures have been uncontrolled for 30 years"! I built character, strength, and courage through those years as well. Although that may be true now the premise behind that song applies, which is to appreciate the "simple things" in life.
Through whatever tribulations I have encountered through the years I have been fortunate enough to have support from my family. Friends through the years have been sparse, but the ones I now have are more valuable than platinum.
Sometimes it is difficult to find friends that accept the entire person with seizures. You know you have an honest companion for life when they will ask, "how are you?" and really want to know. Simply hearing the usual trite "I'm fine" suffices most people. They are not truly interested in the things that make up your life. Tears, disappointments, anxiety and fears are a part of the human condition, no matter what. When a complex disorder like epilepsy enters your life, there are implications and boundaries only an honest, genuine friend cares about. Imposters come and go like a dead leaf blowing in the breeze; you did not need them. Aside from your direct family, a confidant - an all-season, all-weather friend - will never stray far from your heart. They make up part of "living in the love of the common people".
I remember last week my dear neighbor who has become far more than a once-upon-a-time stranger who lives across the street from the house we bought four years ago. She and her husband have come on countless occasions, dropping everything, helping me with everything from emergency transportation to moral support. If I had known as a friendless, lonely child that I would run on to a treasure such as her in the future, I would say it would be worth waiting decades to possess.
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