Blog is Moving

  

After a lot of starts and stops with blogging, I will keep updating only THREE blogs:

• Epilepsy Awareness, my son's struggle with seizures ...and why I am called 'That Purple Mom" (and includes my storefront):   ThatPurpleMom.com 
• Prepping / Survival Cooking / Living, and getting through these difficult times: www.survival-cooking.blogspot.com 
• My journey to get healthy: www.veegettinghealthy.blogspot.com

Thanks for stopping by. 

Vikki

......

My 28 year old (but mentally and emotionally is about 12) son, Weslee, has intractable epilepsy, autism, OCD, ADHD and lots of side effects from lots of brain surgeries. After a week stay at the Cleveland Clinic in 2024, his team of doctors is suggesting more brain surgeries. We need help to get there and back plus with copays, etc.  Please donate through the link below then share this link: https://gofund.me/085ca903 ..

...OR...

To donate directly through PayPal :

Click here to go to:

www.paypal.me/VIKKIWESLEELAWRENCE

Thank you.

Happy Life Day

Today is our anniversary.

 

One year ago today, on May 1 2019, my son Weslee entered the hospital for an exploratory brain surgery called SEEG. He had a very rare side effect to a seizure med that caused massive brain bleeding during the surgery, so he had a stroke. He was put in a ventilator, and before he left for a Neuro rehab hospital at the end of May, he had had 8 more surgeries. He came home, finally, after a total of 35 days, still relearning to hold a cup, talk, walk, think, etc. 

It has been a struggle this past year. He still uses a cane to walk, tires easily, has to take a nap almost daily. He has huge gaps in his memory, has developed a facial 'tic', and still has the brain drain (shunt).

I am so thankful every day for Mr. Shane, the nurse on the ICU floor who first noticed Weslee wasn't responding to stimuli as expected.  He noticed it in the nic of time; his surgeon said Weslee would have died that night if Shane hasn't caught it, and if the surgeon hadn't immediately taken him back to the OR for emergency surgery.

So...today, Weslee and I will celebrate his LIFE day.



* * * * * *


I sent a dozen specialty cupcakes to the ICU ward (but Mr. Shane no longer works there..bummer). And even though Weslee is taking a nap right now (2:30 p.m.), I ordered a 4:00 p.m."linner" for us from his fave place: Cheesecake factory.

Something in Common

My sweet boy is very firm about what he likes... from food to movies to music to clothing. I don't like that he prefers the horror genre of movies, but since he often balances that with Disney or Pixar, I can't say much...this epilepsy has changed him.

BUT I came across this song the other day and last night, practically begged him to watch the vid/listen to the music.

I asked him to close his eyes to listen, and what did he see..or feel.

Warrior. Preparing for battle.

I have the same opinion.

My 23 year old is an epilepsy warrior. We battle against seizures daily.

This is his new favorite song.

What do YOU see and feel when you listen to Avi Kaplan's "Change on the Rise"?

Link to video:
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=382BTxLNrow

Keeping Busy During Coronavirus 2020

We took the kids for a bike ride today. It was nice to get out of the house and enjoy some fresh air. The kids and I have been home over three weeks now, and they are starting to show signs of boredom. It's hard to answer their questions about this virus outbreak. A five-year-old and a seven-year-old don't understand why they can't leave the house, go to school, or have playdates with friends. 

Ollie's behavior has been excellent up until recently. I can tell she's starting to become frustrated. Usually, the kids and I are very social and active. We visit with friends and have play dates all of the time. She's even admitted she misses school because she's so bored.  

I can't say this to them, but boy, do I wish I could experience their boredom. Keeping them occupied and from losing their cool is a full-time gig, on top of my full-time gig as a writer! We are just now finally getting some decent weather. Hopefully, the warmer weather can help cure some of our stress and loneliness. There is always more to do outside. 

Homeschooling During the Coronavirus Outbreak:

Homeschool life. 

I am becoming overwhelmed with homeschooling my two kids, and I have a teaching degree. I can only imagine how stressful this is for other families. Both of our kids now have online lessons that they must complete every day on a computer. Doing schoolwork at home is something they are not used to, so it's been a challenging routine to establish.  

Our superintendent indicated that he doesn't seem to think we will be returning to school this school year. As a kid, I would have loved an extra-long summer break. As a parent...not so much.

I think we are taking a few weeks off from writing for the blog for a few weeks while everyone gets their bearings and tries to stay healthy. I hope you all stay safe out there and stay home if you can! We will talk again soon. 

-Abby, guest blogger

Frustration

Weslee is getting antsy. 22 days in isolation with just me, and he made up an excuse to go next door to talk to the neighbor.

I had to give him a stern talking to: 

"Weslee, you not only have epilepsy, you nearly died last year, are susceptible to  illnesses, and still have the shunt (brain drain).  You canNOT take a chance, especially without gloves, mask and goggles or YOU WILL DIE."

He said he knows that but just wanted to talk about their cat.  

Sigh. I can't keep him locked up. After all, he IS an adult, although his mind is still a child.