Purple Power

     We had another amazing Purple Day assembly at our local elementary school. Only about half of the kids wore purple but they all knew what it was about and why. (I have no purple in my closet except for my Purple Day tee shirt so I get it---it's not everyone's colour.) Before our daughter spoke, we watched the video "Epilepsy: A Definition of Courage" which is a powerful message about the stigma attached to epilepsy and the people who have it. The statements "I am normal, just like you." and "I deserve the same opportunities and I will fight to have them." speak strongly to the barriers that people with epilepsy experience as a result of their disorder. We applaud Caitlin Shaw and Dan Nixon for their accomplishment in making this video and are proud to be a part of it.
     Our daughter spoke briefly about her seizures and what Purple Day was all about. We fielded many great questions about seizures and epilepsy "What should you do if someone is having a seizure? Do seizures hurt? Are you born with epilepsy or do you get it?". Then our daughter was presented with flowers and very much thanked for her time. What was most charming about the afternoon was how sweet the little ones were, giving our daughter hugs and clamouring to stand next to her for photographs. I think she felt like a bit of a celebrity which in her sometimes difficult life is a real treat. She was touched by the children's caring for her and so was I.
     Our almost 15 year old daughter really has no idea what a role model she is; she takes this terrible circumstance and turns it into something wise and wonderful. She shares her story, her life and in doing so, shares herself. The information she imparts educates and enlightens others; it might even save a life. She truly is powerful.