Q. How is the health of your children? A. Well they are all pretty healthy; I really can’ t complain. My daughter had some symptoms of seizure activity starting about 3 years ago, but I didn’ t recognize this trembling as being related to seizures. It became apparent a year ago when she had her first drop seizure at home and I rushed her to the ER; it was there, that I was first told she was having seizures. The neurologist prescribed just one seizure medication and it has been working very well for her. Today, she is healthy and seizure free! I feel really lucky that my two other angels have never had seizures!
Q. What was one of your proudest moments as an angel mom? A. Well I had been working for a long time to teach my kids sign language; I couldn’ t tell whether they were even paying a bit of attention to me. They didn’ t seem to be catching on and were never using the signs that I was teaching them. But one day I took my daughter to the grocery store and she completely blew me away and brought me to tears when she signed cookie, cracker and milk with absolutely NO prompting from me! It was an amazing day for me and I often wished that I had been able to record that moment. This experience made me realize that I just have to keep working with them because even when I don’ t think they are“ getting it”, they just might be.
Q. Is there anything else that you would like to share with our readers about your family or your experience with Angelman syndrome? A. For me it was always important that my children be well behaved and well mannered. This means that I was sure to be strict with them. My children have to eat properly at the table with their backs straight and using utensils. In past years some of my family members would say“ your too hard on them; they’ re special”. I felt like I was preparing them for life. Today, those same family members now tell me what a good mom they think I am. I guess that they now see that they are well behaved and well mannered kids. Now they understand why I had to enforce rules with them. I feel really supported by my family now. I also have a church family who calls and checks on me and asks if I have everything that I need. It’ s great to feel supported!
J e s s i c a
Note from the writer: I found this mother’ s story so inspirational and the message here is to take really good care of yourself even when it’ s not so easy. You might be a better mother for it or at least you’ ll feel good while doing it! I know the next time that I feel too stressed to workout or there is not enough time to eat a healthy meal, I will think of Jessica and I will certainly feel inspired to have a good workout and meal!-Karen VanPuyenbroeck
LIKE US ON FACEBOOK
Connect with us at facebook. com / angelmantoday to get advice, talk with other parents and find out about upcoming giveaways.
35
WWW. ANGELMANTODAY. COM JULY / AUGUST 2013 | Angelman Today