A few weeks ago coming back from a paint out in Elkhart, Indiana I had a seizure while driving home to Ohio. I remember my sight going black and saying to myself “I am driving and cannot see”. The rest was told to me by a police officer that was at the accident. I drove my car across oncoming traffic and perfectly put my car between two 4-inch trees. The air bag did not employ and no one was hurt, though my car was totaled. My Honda Accord was so tight between two trees that the tow truck driver had a very difficult time backing it out. Somehow I climbed out my drivers’ window and was wondering around. A gentleman stopped and kept me from wandering into traffic. I was told that it took five police officers to wrestle me to the ground. Evidently seizures give you superhuman strength. I became conscious later in the emergency vehicle hand cuffed to the stretcher screaming at the top of my lungs, finding it hard to breath and disorientated. So obviously I am not driving until we understand better what is going on.

The last time I had a seizure was 25 years ago when I was at work. An emergency vehicle took me to the hospital. After testing they discovered I had an AVM, a malformation of arteries into veins in the brain that I was born with. They were ready to rupture at any time. It was very good it was detected otherwise it could have killed me. The seizure at that time was a blessing because it brought attention to my serious condition.

This recent seizure reminded me of my seizure of 25 years ago. I thought to myself, “Is this another sign bringing attention to something new going wrong in my body?”

My heart doctor thought it might be my heart since I had tightening in my jaw before the black out, but a day in the hospital and a few other tests proved my heart is strong.

Later tests on the arteries in the brain showed everything to be normal. I had a definite sense of relief that took a few days to sink in, but now what? I will meet with a Neurologist in the beginning of December; they seem to be in no rush or concern to get me in sooner. Thankfully my original brain surgeon Dr. Tew, who is out of my current medical plan, has valiantly volunteered to review new test results.

I feel good, even strong. Possibly the seizure rebooted my system. I for sure see things differently. I appreciate everything a little more. Feel more sympathy for those close to death. We won’t live forever and it is very hard to come to grips with these thoughts.

I will continue to paint and hope I live till 105 or 110 years of age. I hope God will welcome me into His domain when it is the proper time, but not before. I feel at peace with my mortality. I do not fear what is to come but will no doubt grasp for life with each and every closing breath.