“I can’t really stick to a routine because I don’t know what each day brings. I never know what the day will look like, and depending on how I sleep...which is not great, I see how I feel...and if I’m able to get to the barn, which I try to do as often as I can, I do, because it always calms me down.” As Channing told me this I heard myself thinking. “YES, YES I understand some of those feelings too on this journey of mine! Except the difference between my journey and Channing’s is that hers includes epilepsy. She was diagnosed at age 10 after her second seizure that year. Upon diagnosis, her doctor told her she should probably quit riding and consider collecting stamps. To which Channing replied, “Yea, that’s not gonna work.” This bad ass epilepsy warrior wears a Hit Air Pack for each ride. If she does seize and disconnect from her saddle during her ride it will inflate before she hits the ground to protect her. It has happened ten times now. She continues to get back on the horse. “There are a few people I know that also have epilepsy who can’t leave their homes because of their seizures. I’m riding for those who can’t and I’m trying to give a voice to them by raising more awareness. “You know,” her mom said to me as we sat in Batavia, Ohio, at Majestic Farm this past Saturday, “We are kinda pissed about the hand we have been dealt here, but we try to...” and then Channing interrupted...”We just always make the most of the good days.” I don’t know what each day holds. I am tired. I am stressed. I am trying to fit a million little things into each day. And I am only one person trying to manage it all. But I can tell you one thing, days like these...gosh these are good days. These days are huge reminders of why I keep going and telling these stories. Channing, you’re not only a warrior who will raise awareness for epilepsy. You’re a warrior that reminds us maybe our hand isn’t always going to be the best deal...but if you can keep getting on that horse we sure as hell can too. And if nothing else, we can at least always remember to make the most of the good days. #TeamChanning💜 #CUREepilepsy 🚙 #moregoodtoday (at Majestic Farm) https://www.instagram.com/p/Bz9ZkV0H3mt/?igshid=7sjqmowdga5k
