Steps for seizures

Last Saturday was the Epilepsy walk for Clayton's Hope at Washington Lake Park. I was super excited for it because I know that I'm finally ready to take a few steps forward with all of this...and this walk would be my first step. I had everything out and ready for it the night before because 1) I am SO not a morning person. I knew that once I set my alarm for "super early in the morning" that I would be hitting the snooze button twenty times and 2) If you know me at all, you know that the #1 thing on my top ten "i hate list" is being cold, so I had to make sure that we were nice and warm. 

So that morning was a bit rushed. I forget why, but I do remember running up and down the stairs a few times. It's probably because of that SNOOZE BUTTON that I love so much. We did look cute in our matching purple shirts though. I even bought Matt one, although he couldn't come because of work. Purple is the color that represents Epilepsy awareness and November is Epilepsy awareness month, just an FYI. 

When we finally got to the park, I felt really overwhelmed all of a sudden and I started to get emotional. I'm not sure why - maybe it's because this is something that I have been wanting to do for awhile? Maybe it's because I am the mom to a child with Epilepsy and even though I make the best of "it is what it is", it still hurts? Maybe it's because I was going to be surrounded by people who understand and to me that is weight lifted off of my shoulders? Maybe it's because I was by myself and it was just the three of us? I could go on and on but I really don't have a solid answer of why I felt the way I did at that moment. What I do know is that my tears dried quickly the second I opened the car door and the wind hit me. Whew-cold!  

After registering, I happen to look over and I noticed a little boy all bundled up in his coat trying to stay warm. He was walking around in circles, pointing up to the sky, and mimicking words, but no words were coming out out of his mouth. All with the sweetest little smile on his face. I knew right away what this little boy had and I really just wanted to walk over to him and give him a hug. It took me back to 3 and a half years ago and remembering all of the things that Mason did to lead him to being diagnosed with Complex-partial Epilepsy. I also thought to myself after taking myself back that Mason has come so far since then. He has been on so many different medicines and combinations of medicines to get him to where he is today. There are so many different kinds of Epilepsy and every person's body and intake is different. Some people NEVER find the right medicine or combo of meds (if they choose to do medication) to lesson or control their seizures and that makes me very sad, but selfishly thankful that we are on the right path for Mason. If only there were a cure...

Overall, the walk was amazing. I got to see Clayton and hear about his "story". There were SO many people there and it made me smile. ALL of these people were here supporting this. WOW. I will admit that this momma didnt make it twice around the park though. Me by myself + my huge PITA double stroller = not a good combo. Mason ran for a few minutes (it was so cute), but his legs get tired after awhile so it's in the stroller he goes and Mattison...well she was just along for the ride encouraging her brother to run faster, but yelled for him to "stay with mom" when he was getting a bit TOO fast for us. Leave it to her, the mini Mommy. Hopefully Matt will have off the day of the next year's walk so that way he can just push the stroller the whole time. We will make it twice around the park for sure then! :)