THCreate

As many of you know my daughter is epileptic. What does it mean to be epileptic? Having epilepsy means the human body is prone to having involuntary or unfortunate spasms in the form of a seizure at some interval of time.

My daughter Trinity is less than 2 months shy of turning seven years old. Since the age of two she was diagnosed with epilepsy and a condition called TSC, or tuberous sclerosis complex.

Saturday night after a long day of fun and play, I put my kids in the bath. Once I got my daughter out of the bathtub, I genuinely asked her “how are you doing?” She responded she was fine. I then asked her if she felt like she was still having seizures. Her answer was a simple no and that she hasn’t had them since the age of two.

I then asked Trinity if she remembered any of the seizures she had when she was 2 years old. Trinity replied no and that her only memory is what I have shown her through video. She then exclaimed that she doesn’t want to have seizures anymore or take the medicine.

As a father who has a daughter with this neurological condition, I always fear when the next episode will be and what will trigger her to have a seizure again. For almost 5 years, Trinity has taken oxcarbazepine medication daily to prevent any episodes while asleep. Trinity’s seizures were different. Hers would only occur when aroused or during sleep cycles. She would never experience them just out of the blue, which is a blessing, unlike most.

After having this discussion with my daughter I continued to get her dressed with pajamas and she looked into my eyes as I peered away and asked if I was crying. As a man and a father, holding tears back while being strong for your child is a difficult and emotionally challenging task when a situation like this is presented. Without hesitation, I replied yes and that I loved her and that’s all she needed to know.

It was almost as if Trinity wanted to ease my emotional pain. She didn’t ask any more questions and proceeded to distract me and by saying “okay let’s get dressed, Daddy.” I love this little girl with all of my heart.

For a 6-year-old child, I can’t imagine what it’s like being in her shoes experiencing what she has experienced before, whether she realized what a seizure looked like or not. What really brought tears to my eyes even more, was my daughter hugging me and embracing me as if she understood the emotion I was exhibiting. Sadness.

I never want anything to happen to my baby girl. She is my life. I wouldn’t be the man I am today if it wasn’t for my little girl. Even as I’m writing this tears are flowing out of my eyes because of the unthinkable and the unknown. This is why I make the content that I do. This is why I write blogs. I want the message to be heard loud and clear. Love your children! Love your child as if there is no tomorrow.

This emotional discussion between Trinity and I during bath time allowed us to make our newest TSC in me episode part 6 which is in the makes. I encourage any of you who are curious about epilepsy, TSC, or how far Trinity has come to be a part of the discussion and watch the content that we post on our YouTube channel @ForeverFatherhood.