I started this blog in 2011, a very long time ago. Many lifetimes ago, in fact. It was the way I dealt with Epilepsy. As life does, it’s taken more expected and unexpected turns. I’ve just lived through Hurricane Helene. I took to Facebook, first to let folks know Johnny and I were safe, then to share the pictures. I immediately used Facebook to launch a massive donation drive to assist my immediate neighbors, most of whom are retired. As that project took on a life of its own I used Facebook to share what I was experiencing. It was therapeutic and, based on your comments, it seemed helpful for those in Helene’s path and those not in her path, but in a position to help.

I decided it was time to open up the blog again and use it to chronicle my experience with Helene. When I logged back into my website I clicked on my first post. So much of what I wrote then is still true. I need not explain anymore. I’ll just share those words with you once again and hope that someday, someone who reads the words from my heart will also find healing,

“As I get older, I find myself looking back and thinking about the path my life has taken. About a year ago I began writing down my thoughts, the old-fashioned way, with pen and paper. Then I went electronic and started typing my thoughts into one long document. I decided to get brave, and I posted one of my writings on Facebook. I was amazed by the responses I had. People were moved by my story. This seemed odd to me. People thought I had something unique to share. Sure, I’ve had some unfortunate circumstances, but you deal with it. That’s just what you do. My family always says you have to pull up your big girl panties and move on. So that’s what I did. I dealt with it and moved on. When friends read my posts they were surprised because they didn’t know some of the difficulties I had faced. They didn’t know the challenges…because I didn’t let people see that. I didn’t let people into my world. I dealt with it, leaning on the love of God and the love and devotion of my family to see me through. He has, and they did. Now it feels like it’s time to share a part of me with you. I don’t know if anyone will learn from what I write, but from the few pieces I have shared, I’ve learned more about myself. I’ve healed  wounds that I thought were permanent scabs. So I’m braving the electronic era and starting my own blog.

This blog, Embracing Change…Accepting a brain injury, living with epilepsy and learning to thrive in my own skin; this is my story, how my life changed drastically and how I learned to make the best of it, appreciate each day and make it count. It’s my story from the sandwich generation, sandwiched between my children, my Mother and my Grandmother. It’s my story of growing, sharing and caring with those that I love. This is my story of how my greatest pain unleashed my greatest gifts. I’m thankful for the gift of sharing and for the gift of those that will take the time to read my story.

© Gatewood Campbell, October 2024