Wow, I really can’t believe it’s been November since I’ve last posted here on the blog. I waited because I felt like I didn’t really have that much to share, until I started going through the pictures, and realized just how much has occurred. Pictures can be wonderful reminders of moments you may otherwise forget when you have memory problems, so I am very grateful for them. They also allow you to just be present in the moment, which is my favorite part of all.
If there is anything I am learning at this stage of my life, is that time is fleeting, and presence in it is crucial. I am 49 years old and am blessed to still have both of my parents, but I try very hard not to take that for granted as I know these moments are precious. Surviving my own suicide attempt also gave me a whole new look on life. I try to be grateful just for waking up in the morning.
As far as advocacy goes, I finished out the 2022 year with participating in a Suicide Prevention Walk/Run called “Love Like Reed”, where about 150 Epilepsy & Suicide goody bags were given out. I also did a presentation for the local 4-H Club.
Once Winter crept in, life slowed down and this made things hard. I am a “get up and go” kind if girl, and my anxiety kicks in high gear when I’m forced to “park it.” This is where my family and I had to get creative and find different things we could do to get out of the house. My daughter and I take painting classes once a month. My mother and I did a “Chocolate Walk” on Valentine’s Day, and my Aunt and I even ran way to Tampa Florida for a long weekend!
When Spring finally came, we took a beautiful day trip to Gibbs Gardens and walked through thousands of gorgeous flowers. However, the BEST moments to be present in took place at the 4th Annual Purple Day Every Expo on March 25, 2023. I conjured up the gathered up the courage to wear a t-shirt that literally shares my message about Epilepsy. It stated, “I am a Suicide Attempt Survivor. Nice Try Epilepsy and Depression.”
It was very difficult to wear it at first, and to be that vulnerable, but my goal was to possibly help others who may be or had felt the same way I had. I received incredible support from the Anita Kaufman Foundation and others that attended the event. It made it all worth it. My sister and I were so pumped with excitement and inspiration from the expo, we decided to extend our trip an additional day to just relax. What a treat, to do whatever we wanted to do without any schedule! It was the BEST PURPLE DAY EVER!!!!
Author: Lynn Palmer
