My First Grand mal seizure: Like any normal day, I was feeling good. Little did I know my Life was about to change...

I am a 17-year-old female living with epilepsy. Like any normal day, I was feeling good. Little did I know my life was about to change... I spent January 1st at my boyfriend's house and my family and I was so excited to see what God had in store for me for 2018. The next day my parents were supposed to be back to work. My dad went to his office, which is about 7 mins from our home, and my mom was up and ready but, decided to stay home because she was recovering from having a migraine. My grandpa and aunt had the day off and my nana was home with my mom in case she needed something. I woke up feeling good and it was just a regular day. I started my day off with a shake and doing the dishes for my sister when I suddenly got dizzy and light-headed. I carefully walked to my moms’ room and told her I didn’t feel good and had a stomach ache and she told me to go to the bathroom so I turned. Except I apparently knocked over my moms’ stuff that were on her end table while turning the corner to the bathroom. My mom jumps up and asks what’s wrong. I was in the bathroom as she was fixing her table and she looked and rushed over to me as she saw I was about to pass out. My mom yells and I could hear her and I was scared and confused and yelling out for my mom and trying to ask what’s happening. She caught me right before I hit my head, but I was left with bruises on my leg from hitting the tub. My grandpa came rushing in and helps me get out of the bathroom. I was in and out of being conscious and my eyesight was dark and blurry; tunnel vision. I also had this metallic taste in my mouth. They get me on the bed and my mom ran to get nana to call 911. I hear my grandpa say, “Lexi stay with me” (which was probably the scariest part because that’s something you watch in movies before someone is badly injured or dies so...) and then I felt my body go weightless as I fell back. After six minutes, I gained consciousness. I open my eyes and the paramedics were standing over me. I went to the hospital where my aunt and cousin came to comfort me. No one was supposed to be home. I look back on that day all of the time and feel blessed because it was going to happen at some point. Epilepsy is a disease I was born with, so the fact that God put my mom, nana, and grandpa, aunt and cousin and left them home made me realize God has a plan. I was not alone. I did not hit my head and I was not left by my self to have a seizure and have actual long-term brain damage until someone came home to find me... I was more fortunate than I know, sadly, others have been. I was diagnosed with epilepsy a few days later. We did not have insurance and the Dr at the hospital told me to go see a hear Dr but, my mom had a gut feeling it had nothing to do with my heart so she pulled some strings and had me see a neurologist. A few days later my mom tells me she's going to a meeting. She later comes home and calls me inside, this is when my mother and father sat me down to tell me I have been diagnosed with JME at the age of 14. My life changed. I took it hard but, I realized I have a chance to use my faith and experience to help and connect with others. Years later, I am healthy but suffer from seizures and depression. I'd like to say that talking with people and being open has really helped me cope. acknowledging you are different and accepting that it is OKAY! If you are religious or not, there is a plan for you. You might be stuck at home, feeling lonely or un-included like me at times but, the more you let yourself feel that way, the more miserable you will be. Connect with people, be open. Live your life to the fullest, it is okay to do so, just know your limits. I am here for anyone if you have this disease or know someone with this disease. I know that this is a hard thing to deal with but, it is harder to deal with it on your own. As I continue into my senior year of high school, I continue to grow in relationships and build confidence in who I am, knowing I am different. I plan on continuing my photography career and study at a university. I plan on having a beautiful family and sharing my stories and helping others. Just because I have a disease, does not mean I cannot live my life to the fullest. I encourage you to do the same. I know everyone is different, I am here for you. Thank you so much for reading about my story. I am praying for you all. Feel free to leave a comment :)