Free Downloads Missing Michael: A Mother's Story Of Love, Epilepsy, And Perseverance
Missing Michael A Mother's Story of Love, Epilepsy, and Perseverance is the author's moving account of her son's struggle with epilepsy, its complications, and the effects of the drugs used to treat it. The story covers a time period of over fifteen years as the family attempts to maintain normalcy even as Michael's condition and treatment often envelop him in a haze-like state. Michael's parents are faced with the unenviable task of determining how many seizures are "acceptable" and how much drug is simply "too much." Michael's condition over the years is wildly variable. There are moments, days, and weeks when he bears little resemblance to his gregarious, mischievous pre-seizure self. And while the family is grateful for Michael's presence however he is, there are moments of pure joy when his true personality manages to break through the drug-and-seizure-induced fog. Occasional comments from friends and family such as, "Michael seems more like himself," or "Michael seems so much more alert," are indicative that others in his life miss facets of Michael as well. In Missing Michael..., a mother lays bare her thoughts about school and health care systems, societal indifference, and the harm that results from lack of compassion and tolerance. She acknowledges the dedicated professionals who have helped Michael medically and academically. She applauds Michael's strength of spirit and his courage and ability to overcome substantial obstacles. And throughout its pages, this mother's story celebrates the bond of family and the power of love and hope.
Paperback: 128 pages
Publisher: AuthorHouse (December 29, 2005)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1420878786
ISBN-13: 978-1420878783
Product Dimensions: 6 x 0.3 x 9 inches
Shipping Weight: 8.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars See all reviews (16 customer reviews)
Best Sellers Rank: #1,143,953 in Books (See Top 100 in Books) #21 in Books > Health, Fitness & Dieting > Children's Health > Epilepsy #139 in Books > Health, Fitness & Dieting > Diseases & Physical Ailments > Epilepsy #1068 in Books > Biographies & Memoirs > Specific Groups > Special Needs
A candid portrait of victory against the odds through belief and endurance is painted by Mary Lou Connolly in Missing Michael, A Mother's Story of Love, Epilepsy, and Perseverance. The journey of Michael's life from birth to his first steps of independence as a young adult is outlined with examination of his daily battle with seizures. Nothing is more impacting to Michael than his mother's will to endure and overcome this disruptive adversity.Through his years, Michael encounters various forms of seizures. Connolly's descriptions are well stated, informative, and current in terminology. Her depictions of side effects due to anti-seizure medications will be helpful information to any family of an epileptic. The importance of doctor-patient relationships is explored and detailed as we see Michael grow up in one area with medical assistance also in family friends.One of the highest reference points in this story is the family bonding over Michael's turmoils with epilepsy. Social aspects are covered through school issues and extended family circles. Through all, the courage to persevere is central and character is born.Finally, as a reviewer and author who deals with seizures myself, I applaud Ms. Connolly for her candid portrait of her family life with Michael. Revealing the ongoing stigma such as her battle with school authorities will certainly help break the mold incorrectly cast by uneducated authorities. Although I did not agree with every family decision, I highly recommend this book for any family, social or learning center dealing with seizure disorders.Stephanie S. Sawyer, reviewer and author, Facing Me, Breaking the Bonds of Seizure Confinement
Missing Michael is a wonderful and compelling book. As gripping as their parents' love for their son is the unyielding love and support from Michael's big sister Meaghan. Families will be faced with challenging times and can learn from this Family that has truly persevered. This is an excellent work from author Mary Lou Connolly and should be shared with those you care for.
Last night, I sat down and read Missing Michael. The book did not leave my hands until I read the last page. For those that were a part of the Mary Lou and Michael's village, this book is a testament that it takes a lot of people to be a safety net for those that we love and respect. I applaud Mary Lou, Michael,Meaghan and Barry for not shutting out the village. For allowing those near and afar to help when and where needed. For taking the chance to allow others see the vulnerablity, yet the dignity that Micheal possessed (even when He did not always realize it). For me, the best part of the book shares that there are people within our village that do understand and care outnumber by far those that don't. This sharing is a primer to those who are friends, family, co-workers, and care professionals of those with Seizure Disorders. Mary Lou thank you - I have a better understanding because of your words.I look forward to the sequel where we get to see what Michael's mark on this world is realized.
This is a must read book for nurses and educators who often know little about epilepsy and the many forms it takes. Through the eyes of Michael's mother in this well written book you will see the toll the disease takes on this family and how they learn to live with it.Teachers and nurses may well be able to identify the " Michaels " in their lives or at very least develop an awareness that seizures come in many forms and not everyone is well controlled on medication. After reading this book my daughter,a 3rd grade teacher, encouraged one of her parents to have their child evaluated for a possible seizure disorder based on a description of one of Michael's seizures.
As a parent and psychiatrist treating people with physical disabilities, I found this book a gripping and compelling account of the trials and tribulations of the Connolly family. I was impressed by the author's candid description of how she dealt with frustration, helplessness, and powerlessness of the life-and-death uncertainties of her son's seizure condition. I applaud her self-disclosure in the service of helping others who face similar challenges, and I recommend this book highly to any parent dealing with their child's illness.
A true account of one family's perservence with the "kidnapping" of their beloved son by the still widely misunderstood condition of epilesy. This is a tremendous story of parental dedication and unselfish love that is the core of strong family life. Every parent and adult child should read this book. It is a wonderful read and once you finish it, you'll simply dry your eyes and want to hug those you love because it reaffirms a simple but great truth, we all are strengthen by those that love us.
Missing Michael is a heartwarming, courageous story that only a mother could tell. Sleepless nights combined with perfunctionary days are many, yet perseverance, rapport, and therapeutic normalcy become the frosting on this cake. I recommend Missing Michael not only for families experiencing epilepsy, but for others who may someday find themselves raising, educating, or treating children with physical and emotional challenges.
Missing Michael: A Mother's Story of Love, Epilepsy, and Perseverance Epilepsy: Cure - What You Need to Know about Epilepsy: Therapy, Diagnosis, Treatment, Diet, Signs, Symptoms and Medication (Epilepsy Books - Epilepsy Therapy ... Treatment - Epilepsy in children Book 1) UNEXPLAINED DISAPPEARANCES & MISSING PEOPLE.: MISSING PEOPLE CASE FILES; UNEXPLAINED DISAPPEARANCES; MISSING PEOPLE. (UNEXPLAINED DISAPPEARANCES : MISSING PEOPLE Book 2) Epilepsy And Seizures: Alternative Treatment For Epilepsy Without Drugs Or Surgery (& Safe For Children) (Epilepsy Kindle Books, Epilepsy Treatment Book 1) MYSTERIOUS UNEXPLAINED DISAPPEARANCES & MISSING PEOPLE CASE FILES. volume 3.: LOST & MISSING. Unexplained Mysteries. (UNEXPLAINED DISAPPEARANCES : MISSING PEOPLE) Michael English 3D Eye: The Posters, prints and paintings of Michael English, 1966-1979 Michael Gresham: The Lawyer (Michael Gresham Series Book 1) Michael Gresham: Carlos the Ant (Michael Gresham Series) I, Michael Bennett (Michael Bennett, Book 5) The First Modern Economy: Success, Failure, and Perseverance of the Dutch Economy, 1500-1815 The Crux of Perseverance: How to Be Mentally Strong Like Soldiers and Athletes (The Wheel of Wisdom Book 10) Switching Lanes: A Mother Daughter Love Triangle (Mother Daughter Series) iMovie '11 & iDVD: The Missing Manual (Missing Manuals) (English and English Edition) OS X Yosemite: The Missing Manual (Missing Manuals) Mac OS X Snow Leopard: The Missing Manual (Missing Manuals) Dreamweaver CS6: The Missing Manual (Missing Manuals) Switching to the Mac: The Missing Manual, Lion Edition (Missing Manuals) Windows Vista for Starters: The Missing Manual: The Missing Manual WordPress: The Missing Manual (Missing Manuals) iMovie '11 & iDVD: The Missing Manual (Missing Manuals)
