Privilege and talipes
Steve wrote a post that I really appreciate: Privilege and Epilepsy. He describes how, even though he lives with epilepsy, he considers himself privileged:
And this is where I have to acknowledge my privilege when it comes to epilepsy. I'm a member of a discord with a group of others diagnosed with epilepsy, and they talk a lot about their constant seizures, sometimes multiple in one day, or surgeries to try to help with their condition, or all the side effects they experience.
Steve, I hear ya.
I was born with congenital talipes equinovarus, commonly known as club foot. I had it “corrected” as an infant thanks to modern medicine, but that can only do so much. My ankle causes me regular pain and stiffness. I can’t jog or play any sports that require running. (Grateful for bicycles!) I’ve had a few real scares where I thought I might be losing my ability to even walk.
But eventually, I learned how to manage it, and now I’m able to live a pretty great life. I’m married to a wonderful wife. We have great, healthy kids. I’ve got an enviable job that arguably pays me too much money. I’m able to ride bikes as much as I can make time for. I just took my family to Disney World and did 20,000 steps a day with them for four days. The list goes on endlessly.
Many people born with this condition can’t make it around the block, even at a young age. Some eventually get their foot amputated because of the extent of their disability.
I’m very privileged. Thank you, Steve, for the reminder.