Ode to Jack and Epilepsy Awareness

Facebook and Twitter and all sorts of social media sites have this thing called Throw Back Thursday or #TBT.  I am guilty of participating.  It is exciting to see all of my friends when they were youngin's (big bangs!  plaid shirts!) and their kiddos when they were little bambinos.  As I shuffled through pics of my darling little Ellie, gasping as I realized that she is a big girl instead of my wee-wittle chunk-a-lunk baby with fatty rolls, I noticed a theme. . . a friendship that has grown as she has grown.

Jack.

Ah. Young Love.  So precious.  I might need to turn the hose on them. 

Why this young strapping blondie puts up with her shenanigans is beyond me.  Come on!  She pulls his shirt.  She destroys his train tracks. She even bit him on the arm once.  And left teeth marks!  She tackle hugs him until all oxygen flow to the brain is cut off.  And yet. . . he asks to go to the mall with Ellie.  To have a sleep over with Ellie.  (what he secretly wants is access to my husbands scrumptious ribs).

The classic "Tackle Hug"

I have written about Ellie's boyfriend, er friend, um boy-that-she-is-going-to-marry-by-a pre-arranged -agreement in some previous posts.  You can read more about him here and here.

Today, March 26, 2014, is Epilepsy Awareness Day.  What does this have to do with Jack?  While Jack may not have the outwards signs of extra needs like Ellie, Jack is walking around with a piece of his brain missing.  Well, it isn't exactly missing per say (we know where it is), it was removed on purpose via brain surgery.  Yes, Jack has epilepsy, which is related to his Tuberous Sclerosis Complex.  Jack's life has been tough, but that doesn't stop Jack from conquering the world with bravery, kindness, and pure awesomeness.

These two look like big TROUBLE, but really it is Ellie directing Jack.  

So pull on your purple shirts and think about Ellie's buddy Jack-A-Roo and all of those who live their day to day lives battling seizures.  For many of us, this is just an Awareness day, but to Jack and his family, this is their life. Every. Single. Day.

As Sheryl and I like to say:

This is in reference to a Ketogenic Diet

Ketogenic foods can and are yummy.  My picky Bear stealing Jack's keto-cupcake.
Dear Sheryl, please write cookbook.  Thousands would be very grateful.

Visit Sheryl's blog to learn more about Jack and his family at Thumb in Mouth.
Jack's Story