2015 National Epilepsy Walk
I traveled to Washington, D.C. again for another epilepsy event. The Ninth Annual Walk for Epilepsy was held near the Washington Monument on Saturday morning April 11, 2015.
After I received my t-shirt at the walk headquarters downtown, I walked another block to a bookstore where Tavis Miley was speaking about his new book, “My Journey With Maya.” He explained how Maya Angelou had helped him find his way when he was lost. At one point when he was especially lost, he asked her how to find his way. He remembers her response: “We find our path by walking it.”
There are many reasons that I walk. I walk because others can’t. Some people from my community have died suddenly. Some have died slowly. I walk because some are unable to do so. I walk because some day I will not be able to do so.
I walk because others have gone before me so that my path is easier. I walk so that others may find their path easier than mine has been. I walk to be inspired and to inspire others.
I walk to keep myself honest. I walk to keep companies and organizations honest, because as much as I believe in the goodwill of humanity, I know that companies have not always operated as partners. I walk so that other people with epilepsy will find a beacon, if necessary, when feeling lonely (or alone.) Many of us already feel as though we are chased by invisible aliens who use lethal Tasers. We don’t need to hide behind false promises.
We still have much work to do. Today is the 68th anniversary of the Jackie Robinson breaking the color barrier in Major League baseball, and while I know a little about being the first at something, I am no Jackie Robinson so if I ever stop walking, I hope it is because I have started dancing.
So while we remember those who have gone before us, let us not forget our ABC’s. Always Build Community.