Friday, October 28, 2016

Where Do I Need to Be?

I may not have gone where I intended to go, but I think I have ended up where I needed to be.” – Douglas Adams.

I look back at my life - some personal reflections.

Before I ever met my now-husband of over 40 years, I was the daughter of a man who had suffered a traumatic brain injury before I was born.  It left him suffering from seizures and an occasional attack of rage.  My parents both tried to hide it from me (that kind of condition was considered shameful as I grew up in the 1950's) but, you can't hide a seizure disorder from a child forever.

And once I knew, and grew older, I saw the discrimination my father faced, because he had epilepsy.

Later, when I met my husband, I was well aware his youngest brother had a disability.  But still, it hurt when my future father in law rejected me for various reasons, among them having a father with epilepsy. 

Now, many years later, my father in law is dead, my mother in law is in her late 80's, and my husband is his brothers guardian.  And what am I?  Well, the life I am leading is not one I ever dreamed about as a little girl.

I don't fit into any ready category.  But, indeed, I feel that my life experiences (many of which I have never blogged about) have brought me to the place I need to be.

Among them, an advocate for my brother in law and, perhaps, in some ways, a trailblazer for the some who will come after me.

Linking to #FridayReflections, a weekly meme hosted by Corinne and Sanch Vee.

5 comments:

  1. I'm also an autistic adult. I guess I'm considered 'high functioning' but not sure if these labels are helpful. It sounds like you've been through a lot. I admire your tenacity and compassion. I'm so glad there are people like you to blaze the trail. It's much needed. Visiting via #FridayReflections

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  2. Labels really do very little good except (I've found) when trying to get helping services - then, if you don't meet the criteria, no services for you. Thank you for visiting, and for your encouraging words.

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  3. there are too many labels in the society. Its good that you did marry who you wanted to. :)
    Hope all is good

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  4. Life is interesting and so unpredictable. We may not think we need to be in a certain place but maybe we are there to serve some purpose. It must be tough though for you and your husband. As for labels, I do agree not all labels are helpful but some people do find it gives them a sense of relief

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