Yesterday was a typical cold and damp December day here in mid-Ohio. The 28 degree temperature was a warm up from recent days so I layered up my clothing (from long-johns to cozy gloves and a hat) and took my hound dog to the park.
I felt strong and hardy walking through the woods and the open fields, while Vinnie Van Gogh ran around chasing the elusive squirrels. I walked with a muscle-tight stride for some added exercise. We were all over the park for about an hour. When I got back in the car I realized I had worked up quiet a sweat in the icy air…which is against my ‘anti-seizure’ rules.. but I felt great.
On the way home, I had planned a stop at the Pattycake Vegan Bakery to by some treats for my vegan friend, Lydia. I walked into the shop and the warm, sweet fragrance of sugar and spices caressed my senses. A moment later, I opened my eyes and found myself sitting at the table in the bakery. Two kind, soft spoken women were behind the counter watching me. I had no idea where I was or why. “You’ve just had a seizure” one of the girls said calmly, “You were out for about ten seconds.” That was my ’10 minute-warning-bell’ for an approaching flurry of much harsher seizures. I stood up to get to my car and get home before the next round got me but the to lovely ladies, Jennie and Amanda were not going to let me leave the store until they were SURE I was stable enough to drive. One of them brought me a glass of much needed water. By the time I finished the water and felt better, my ‘ten-minute-warning’ had passed. I woke up, again, at the table in the bakery.
From that point this is what I remember: I was in a bakery and not sure why. I remember Jennie and Amanda questioning me about my condition. I don’t remember answering. One of them wanted to call ‘the squad’. I remember saying “NO!, PLEASE! DON’T CALL THEM! THEY CAN’T HELP!” (which is true. Sirens, commotion, the battering questions and ultimately the hospital only makes a standard round of seizures worse). I remember waking up again on the floor. I was concerned about Vinnie, sitting in my car. I remember waking up again with one of the girls picking me up off the floor. I remember being a passenger in my car. I remember waking up on my front porch with Jennie and Amanda helping me up. I woke up 2 more times inside my apartment with Amanda trying to call my friends (I must have been conscious on some level, she had names and phone numbers). I remember crawling to my couch..unable to walk (muscle spasms) crying from embarrassment. Jennie helped me up to the couch and Amanda brought me more water. Those 2 small necessities are overwhelmingly impossible for me when I am alone after seizures.
Jennie and Amanda did not know me. They had no obligation to see to my safety..much less..my comfort. Yet, they insisted. They were angels making sure no harm came to me. They stayed with me long enough to make sure I was stable and that at least one of my friends knew what had happened. I will never forget their kindness and unconditional care. I hope the grand Universe brings them each a thousand unexpected joys. Jennie and Amanda are uncommon jewels in our Cosmic River. I can not thank them enough.
