With a Bright Yellow School Bus, Tommy's Spirit Lives On

As a high school student, I was the type of guy, that administrators and teachers would mark present, even if I wasn't there. While I did enjoy school, mostly to check out the girls who were in my classes, my best subjects were recess and lunch. There were great teachers, including a history teacher, who was also one of the football coaches. I never had a problem paying attention to him, after falling asleep one day. This grossly overdeveloped man, kicked my desk from underneath my gross underdeveloped body, and was known to also throw erasers and chalk at students who snoozed. He was actually a fantastic teacher, and it was due to him that I discovered a love of History, and sort of turned out okay. While a lot of days I would be out at a local park playing volleyball, or eating off campus which was a big "no-no", Tommy loved school more than any person I have ever seen.

Each day started off with the bright yellow school bus, that would show up at our door around 8:30 a.m. My mother-in-law, used to sing to him as it arrived, and my boy would smile a grin that was a country mile wide. These are the memories that I like to cling to, as they remind me of a simple joy, that Tommy loved from Monday to Friday. His first driver was a former nurse, and all of his drivers were fantastic. They loved him, although I do not think they could love him, as much as he did them. You could just see it in his eyes, as he would light up when the bus turned the corner on our street each morning. The driver and aide would greet Tommy, and his arms would flap up and down, with his trademark smile and laughter. As the loading ramp would come down, Tommy would get even more excited, and we'd stand there and watch him on the bus bouncing around.

It seems like a lot longer, than a year and a half ago, that he went to God. The night of November 4th 2009 shall never be forgotten, but it is with a smile, that I remember Tommy's joy seeing that bus every morning. One of the best memories is his bus driver singing "Happy Birthday" to him over the public address system. Tommy smiled and laughed, and as he loved music, he loved the crooning bus driver's singing. The "Wheels on the bus go round and round" is a song loved by kids, and even by adults that haven't "grown up" yet. Everytime I hear this song, or sing it to Tommy's younger brother, I think about our boy. I know he's with God, who's love is endless, and while I have yet to see a Biblical passage that describes buses, I am sure that all is possible in Heaven.

Quite regularly, I run into Tommy's bus drivers and aides. They meant a lot to me when Tommy was alive, and they still do. I consider them to be family members, and sometimes I see one of Tommy's buses still going on down the road. Sometimes I look at it, with both sadness and happiness, as strange as that sounds, and look at where Tommy used to sit. It was always on the driver's side, and close to the back. Often I picture what he would look like right now, as what would be his seventh birthday is coming up in July. Instead of pain, I have to smile looking at those buses. I've seen them parked and touched them, even rubbed my hands by the window that Tommy used to sit in. It brings back good memories, and everytime I see a yellow school bus, I have to think about him smiling in Heaven, with God at the steering wheel.

Suck Feizures Buttons: Show Off Your Support and Help Destroy Seizures

Millions of people worldwide are affected by epilepsy, and its high time that a cure for this condition is discovered. There have been exciting developments, such as what the folks at Vanderbilt University's Kennedy Center have been working on, but its time that parents and children alike can rejoice with celebration. Too many have lost their lives to epilepsy,  and those who must contend with it on a daily basis are counting on us. That's right, while they fight we must join them on this endeavor, and bring them the relief that they deserve. It is a matter of a moral cause, and instead of shirking from seizures, its better to battle against them standing up.

"Suck Feizures," is an obvious play on words, yet it is what the parents of children with epilepsy feel about seizures. We are sick of watching our children suffer, have their developmental milestones hampered, and their lives to end far too quickly. I along with many know this firsthand, as I have buried my own son, who went to God at age five. I have no anger towards God, who's love is endless, but I do have a serious problem with seizures, and will stop at nothing to watch their demise become a reality. That's how the facebook group "Suck Feizures" was started, and how shirts, stickers, and now buttons have been created to help Vanderbilt's folks get closer to the finish line for a cure.

Go to http://happyangels.ecrater.com/, and see the cool buttons you can purchase. Each one bought helps with research at Vanderbilt Kennedy Center, and is a fine reminder of the aggression that's being waged against seizures. Suck Feizures is a strong statement, which is an embodiment of those folks who are fighting seizures, and those who love family members have that a condition that causes them. A purchase from this wonderful site on the Internet, started by a loving soul named Carmelita, will go a long way to both generate awareness and assist researchers. This is an effort from the heart, and I would like to personally thank Carmelita, and all of those who have been standing firm instead of sitting back. "All it takes is good folks to nothing, for seizures to succeed." That slightly altered version of what Edmund Burke said over two hundred years ago, is the truth in this matter. Now its time for you to decide, do you want to help a good cause by fighting with love, or just hope for something to happen? The first one is the only option, and I hope you will check out http://happyangels.ecrater.com/ to be a part, of the fight that is being done with compassion, kindness, love, mixed in with determination for good measure.

An Angel Hug Means the World to a Grieving Father

This past weekend I attended the D.C. area Angelman Walk in Columbia, Maryland, and it was such a beautiful day. That song from U2 was played over the stereo speakers, and this is the second year in a row that I've been without my son Tommy. He passed away from a Angelman Syndrome related seizure on November 4th, 2009, and as Coach Tony Dungy so eloquently described, "I'm still grieving." The night before there were a lot of tears, and as I pulled up to the event, they poured out once again. We each have a burden to wear, a cross to bear, and it was with trepidation that marked the start of this event. I saw a lot of angels, and their smiles and laughter reminded me of Tommy. Yet what really made me smile, and cry at the same time, was a hug from Angel Jenna.

If you do not believe in the power of a innocent hug, from a little girl like Jenna, my heart feels sorrow for you. At the end of the event, I got numerous hugs from her, played high five, and she even made that silly "Native American" wo wo wo wo noise, with her hand above her mouth. She made me just grin, and it was so powerful. Every bit of sadness just went out the window, and I cannot properly put into words, how happy those hugs made me feel. It was food for the soul, and a spiritual experience, that reminds me of God's love for all human beings. Those moments were special, and a reminder of the love Tommy had in his heart, while showing everyone what is really important in life. That is the simple joys of a powerful hug, that tugs at your heart strings, and reminds you to carry on. We face adversity each and everyday, as soon as the alarm clock wakes us up, but this moment was a sweet ending to a great day.

I would like to thank Jenna's family, which is a loving group, and their dancing and singing skills made the Angelman Walk a real hit. Yet what I am most thankful for, are those few minutes with Jenna. I have faith in God, that one day, when I've hopefully passed the century mark, that I will see Tommy again. Everyday I think about him, and while I am saddened by his passing, I am inspired to stand strong, as he did his entire life. Right now I have tears streaming down my face, yet I also am wearing a smile, because Jenna brought a whole bunch of positive energy from those hugs and high fives. If you haven't been to an Angelman Syndrome event, or have met an angel, go out there and get a hug. You'll see what I'm writing here, as its a spiritual event that reminds you of the love of God, because even though we go through trials and tribulations, a hug from an angel helps you endure them. God bless you Jenna, and thank you!

AOE-Angels on Earth: A Place to Support Angelman Syndrome

Although Kelly aka "Texas Tornado" lives in the Lonestar State, far away from the confines of the Commonwealth of Virginia, she has a fine store that you all should check out. Its called AOE-Angels on Earth, and has done an abundance of good to raise awareness about Angelman Syndrome, along with providing fine merchandise. While I'm obviously a fan of the "Tommy Collection" for obvious reasons, I like all of her designs. Her son Kiano has Angelman Syndrome, so you know that her work comes straight from the heart. She is a warm, kind lady, who has meant a lot to many families, and I can assure you with every bit of my conscience, that her store is a retailer you can trust on the Internet.

Geography nor distances separate the love of God, which is infinite, and she is an inspiring person who doesn't believe in "tossing in the towel of defeat." Instead, she wants to fight seizures head on, along with raising awareness for Angelman Syndrome, with the heart of a prizefighter that won't be tko'ed. That's right, she's going all twelve rounds, and then some. If you get a chance, be sure to check out http://www.angelsonearth.net/default.html. This is a fine place to get merchandise that makes a difference for so many, and her artwork is among the best that I've seen. Unfortunately, I don't think my stick figure designs will qualify, but her graphics are of premium quality that cannot be replicated.

So what are you waiting for? Just click on the link http://www.angelsonearth.net/default.html. AOE is a fine company, that delivers the goods. You will find everything from shirts to jewelry, along with information about Angelman Syndrome, including references and sources that might answer questions about this medical condition. That's a winning proposition, and I would personally like to thank Kelly for her support, along with her willingness to help Vanderbilt University's Kennedy Center. They are doing great research with regards to seizure activity, that might lead to developments not just for those with Angelman Syndrome, but other medical conditions with epilepsy as a component. God bless you Kelly, and I am thrilled by my t-shirt, and wear it with pride. It has taken a lot of abuse, and looks as good as new after days in the woods or being put in the washing machine a million times. The water bill might be high, and the electric company might make me scream, but that shirt can take a licking and keep on ticking. AOE was created by an angel on Earth, for angels on Earth.

Heroes in Research: Dr. Edwin Weeber

I often joke with my doctor, "Were you last in the class, because I still have to call you doctor right?" He thankfully has a good sense of humor, and when he told me "You need to lose some weight," my response of "isn't that both of us?" provided him a chuckle. Doctors across the world are working in molecular pharmacology, which is a real tongue twister. Yet there is one that deserve kudos, and that's none other than Dr. Edwin Weeber. http://hsccf.health.usf.edu/researchDirectoryTemplate/depttemplate.cfm?&person_id=42285&deptid=28. He has been working with mice, and has been able to genetically modify them to have Angelman Syndrome, and cure it. That is a huge deal, because as we all know, this discovery is going to lead to the ultimate breakthrough. This is not only for Angelman Syndrome, but other chromosome related disorders, as well as providing new ways to get rid of seizures.

Dr. Weeber's information is provided in that link up above, and I plan on writing him a thank you letter, for his hard work and dedication to a noble endeavor. If you can, I am sure that he would be appreciative, because his work is groundbreaking. God has provided him with an intellect and resolve to go through hours of tedious experiments, that are providing hope, and one day will help stop seizures and cure Angelman Syndrome and other medical conditions. He is a hero, because of his level of dedication to the cause. Kudos to Dr. Weeber, and best of luck with your work, because a lot of folks are counting on you to cross that finish line!

Liberty Medical's and Walrus Extraordinaire Wilford "Diabeetus" Brimley Talks About Seizures

**disclaimer: To avoid the law firm of Dewey, Cheatem, and Howe from suing me, I want to first admit this is a fake interview. While I would love to hang out with Wilford "Diabeetus" Brimley, who's most famous from the Liberty Medical ads, being a curmudgeonly grandfather in movies, and getting his stomach kicked in the Firm, I have yet to meet the man who seems able to Mortal Kombat Shao Khan style morph into a cat or walrus. Diabetes is a serious medical condition, that has affected family members, and I only have "fun" with how Brimley pronounces it, as he calls it "diabeetus", but to his credit he has been involved for years with research and awareness. So without further adieu, its time for me to sit down and describe with Mr. Beetus himself, the importance of destroying seizures, which have caused so much pain for those who live with it, those who love someone with them, and those who've lost their lives far too early from them. A cure for seizures must be found.

Mike Ross: M/ Mr. B-Wiford "Beetus" Brimley

Interview with Wilford "Beetus" Brimley

I'll admit I was a bit nervous, as I've been in awe of Wilford Brimley for a long time. Getting to meet one of my heroes, caused me to perspire, and I hoped that the Tag brand deodorant that I borrowed from a teenager, wouldn't cause all of those women from the commercials to interfere with our interview. This was conducted in Florida, at Liberty Medicals Corporate Office. For years, I had been comforted by Mr. Beetus, because just like the Sun rises from the East and sets in the West, his "diabeetus" commercials are going to be aired on "The Price is Right". These commercials, where he is wearing a red or blue sweater, remind me of a twenty first century version of a fireside chat, and its great being able to get such inspiration while watching them, in a pair of pajamas and eating my daily rations of Fruit Loops. Mr. Beetus was late, as apparently he had another issue on his Segway, yet when he walked in the door I realized that he was an alpha male that I would have a difficult time contending with. It was going to be impossible, to be a fair and balanced journalist, as this legend walked in with that red sweater.

M: "Its so nice to meet you Mr. Brimley, thank you for sitting down for this interview".

Mr.B "Whatever ya whippersnapper. You say I have this ability to transform into a cat or a walrus. You think you can get by me? Yeah I might be so old that I need carbon dating, but I'm still one bad dude, who could launch you through the window at a moment's notice."

M: "You have a lot of aggression Mr.B."

Mr. B: "Yeah, yeah, whatever. You know what, I shoed fifteen horses on my farm today, and no I didn't do what that knucklehead did in the movie Kingpin either. From what you've seen on the Liberty commercials, you know I have the right stuff."

M: "What irritates you Sir?"

Mr. B: "You do for one, but what really gets my skin crawling, like there's a bunch of Texas fire ants, is my grandkids. They are always over at my ranch, screwing up my G scale trainset, switching all of the clocks that are perfectly aligned with atomic time, you saying that I got "owned" in the movie The Firm, and people making fun of the old style conductor hat that I wear off the set. Some say that it makes me look like a dirty old man."

M: "That's a lot of stuff Mr. B. While I appreciate all of your efforts with diabetes, what do you think of epilepsy."

Mr.B "Well I think its time we go medieval on them, like Marcellus did in the movie Pulp Fiction. "

M: "That's a good way of putting it, but aren't you impressed with Dr. Weeber's work with mice?"

Mr. B "Work with vermin? Where's my .243 rifle, I'll shoot those vermin with perfect aim, getting rid of those pests in just a second with the click of my ol reliable."

M: "Mr. B, Dr. Weeber is working with mice as part of a medical study. He has been able to genetically modify them, so that they have Angelman Syndrome, and then he's been able to cure it. Other researchers have been able to use mice for epilepsy treatments, and understanding how electrical signals to the brain are abnormal, thus causing seizures."

Mr. B "Well, you young haystack, perhaps there's not as much straw in your cerebral cortex, as I thought there was prior to this what you call interview. That is great, and I'm happy to see that research into epilepsy and other conditions is moving at a quick pace. Those rats can be used for something useful, so I'll put down my firearm, and let them do what they do then."

M: "Thank you Mr. B. What do you think of the work Vanderbilt University is doing with regards to seizures?"

Mr. B "They did a fine job in the NCAA tournament a few years back. I was sitting at home in my drawers watching them on my television with bunny ears. It was great sitting there with my chewing tobacco, bottle of Pabst Blue Ribbon, and just seeing real men kicking that other team into submission."

M: "Mr. B, its great that you are a fan of college basketball, but this is about what Vanderbilt University's Kennedy Center is doing with seizure research."

Mr. B. "What are they doing, because I just did some research on my farm, and it led to me being able to get my Hover Round up to Mach 1".

M: "They have a seizure research project, that is going to first lead to a combination of medications that will stop seizures from occuring. This will help parents who love their children with Angelman Syndrome, and other conditions, from seeing their kids seizing up, or ultimately losing their lives to seizures. Then, they are going to proceed on a sequence that will eliminate seizures forever. They are famous, recently you perhaps saw Darius Rucker perform on stage on their behalf, with a bunch of young men and women that understand courage."

Mr. B "I saw that, Darius Rucker as you would say in this generation, "rocked the grain silo". That's great that Vanderbilt is doing something other than playing basketball, that they are involved in trying to find a cure for seizures. While I'm being forced to wear these horrible cardigans for Liberty Medical, and being made fun of on Youtube, Vanderbilt's Kennedy Center is doing something admirable. By the way, did you know that I got game with the ladies?"

M: "That's nice, Mr. B."

Mr. B "Yeah, I have conga lines of women knocking at my door constantly. That little blue pill has been a real hit, and when I get on the dance floor and do the electric slide, all the gals from the AARP are throwing their cards at me. I'm like the new Tom Jones."

M: "Mr. B, props! Yet what do you think of a Facebook Group called "Suck Feizures", that's working to get rid of seizures forever?

Mr. B " I think it sounds like a crude version of that Cee Lo song that's on the dance floor. Last week, I had a slight acccident on my Hoverround. Apparently I had a "few too many," and crashed the dance floor. That's what the song said to do"

M: "This interview doesn't seem to be going anywhere productive. Any thing you want to say about seizures, and epilepsy for that matter, before you get back to those wild ladies from the AARP?"

Mr. B: "Yeah, I'd like to say that seizures need to be crushed, just like I used to be able to do with a cantelope in my bare hands. There are too many families that need a cure right now, and folks with seizures who would be doing so much better, if they didn't have to contend with them. I hope there's a cure before the next harvest moon".

M: "Thank you Mr. B"

With that the "Beetus" himself walked out of the room. He didn't seem to acknowledge my presence, because his stud level is so high, that he just didn't need to. There were no handshakes, and no thank you's, but I was not disappointed. Just having a few minutes in the same room with "Beetus" was an experience that I'll never forget. The way he carries himself, well its just as manly as you can get, and from what the folks at Liberty told me, he was planning on jogging on the beach to show the ladies that he's "still got game." Apparently, he wears nothing but a small banana hammock style speedo, and runs on the beach like that scene in the movie "Rocky III." While perhaps we do not need to run on the beach, a race for the cure against seizures is going on right now, and that needs to be done with all haste. There are so many in need, and just like Mr. Beetus, let's get the cure before the next harvest moon. :)

Thank you Belgium, Denmark, India, Iran, Jordan, Latvia, Mexico, Phillipines, Turkey, and Vietnam!

The fight against seizures is a global effort, as epilepsy does not discriminate, no matter what country you live in or religion you consider to be your faith. We all have something that unites us, and that is a willingness to get rid of seizures forever. When starting this blog back in January, I had no idea of the global reach that it would have. So many folks from countries across the world are reading this, or following it, and I cannot thank you enough. While I think of my boy Tommy everyday, who passed away from an Angelman Syndrome related seizure in 2009, I also think of the kindness across the globe. It is an honor to welcome folks from the countries of Belgium, Denmark, India, Iran, Jordan, Latvia, Mexico, Phillipines, Turkey, and Vietnam. According to Google's Audience feature on this blog, kind folks from these countries are reading this blog.

Living in the D.C. area, I love the diversity of the area, as I've met people from these countries. Its fascinating to learn about different cultures, along with history, music, food, and to share fellowship with people from far away lands. Although the blog might not be as personal as a face to face cup of tea, or exchanging of recipes, nonetheless I cannot say thank you enough to those who are reading this. We have so much in common, as we are all related to each other. Its not going to be exclusively a one country effort, rather its going to require international collaboration to find a cure for seizures. Through this, perhaps the world can be a better place, as we can all celebrate something so beautiful, pure, and worthwhile of blood, sweat, and tears through actions of love.

Thank you to all the decent folks from these countries, who are reading this blog. Peace be with you, and your families and friends, whom will be instrumental in stopping these seizures from shattering so many lives. We are separated by borders, and sometimes governments that get in the way of our efforts to find a cure, but by the grace of God we are in this to win it. Our hearts are all in the same place, and I'm grateful for all of you, along with hoping that the folks at the Angelman Syndrome Foundation and Vanderbilt Kennedy Center, with our research institutes, will find that cure sooner rather than later. We must improve the lives of all people with seizures, by finding that cure that's within our grasp.