Today: This poem was written and posted at a time when I learnt the value of sharing my life with others. At that time, it was sharing my experiences with epilepsy. Since that time, epilepsy is gone, and my stroke recovery helps me to continue sharing through communication.

It isn’t easy to always understand what life is offering, but to openly share brings understanding to myself and others. We’re never the same, yet we all relate in our own way at our own time. Don’t turn away from your life or choose to hide it, no matter the journey. It’s a significant part of who you are and who knows who it could enlighten when shared openly?

Communication can be a gift

To inform, educate and even prevent

Reactions can be a big surprise

Often causing unwanted worries to relent

It is good to share your person

To be open and honest

Openness of your character

A key to put worries to rest

We are all here for a reason

Even if it is mysterious

Enjoy the life you are given

No need to only be serious

Then: This poem was written at a time when I was looking back on my experiences of telling others of my seizures. It has been my experience to inform others and never been met with the fears I had been warned of. When I tell others I am often met with a comfort and a welcome to friendship. When I know that my seizure will not be a scary shock for the other I am calmed, often causing me to not have a seizure. Even in situations when my body warns me of their visit, educating another helps me to chase the seizures away.

When others are educated, I find that they are comfortable when it occurs. I have been told that they are grateful that I want to prevent leaving them in question. My openness makes others feel wanted and included. They say that even though we are strangers a welcome from an unknown person makes them feel loved and wanted. People also share with me that my openness lets them know that my seizures are not to be feared. My personal comfort with my seizures helps others find a comfort to let them take their course. Communication has always been a great gift to me and the people around me.