Reflections…because the most precious thing we can offer another person is the reminder that they are not alone. Even when they feel like they are. And in those moments, those reminders that we are not alone, is the secret place where hope resides. Not fickle and fleeting, but lasting and true.

We walk hurriedly and excitedly through the Maine mall, more of a gallop really, Haley stopping to jump up and down every few feet. We are headed for the food court but more importantly we are headed for Rachel and Izabelle.

I strain my neck to the side, short as I am seeing through a crowd is no easy feat, worrying about whether I’ll recognize this dynamic duo that I know only from online photos and messages. Only from tears shared 2 states apart. My eyes lock on 2 stylish figures with adorable hats. The recognition is immediate. I crouch to point them out to Haley so she’ll know which way to head and we beeline for them!

Haley and Izabelle are both 9, both with uncontrollable seizures, both failed by pharmaceutical companies and both with Moms that would give the world for them. Hence this moment, this gift of giving them each a reflection of someone “like them”. Someone else “with seizures”.

Haley and I approach and I say her name like a question…Rachel? We embrace as the girls just look at each other. I am moved beyond words at the sight. They nearly instantly start pulling down their shirts to compare VNS scars. A mirror for one another of the pain and struggle that they both endure in place of childhood. And the emotion in Rachel’s eyes mirrors mine. This moment is a gift for all of us. Understanding, empathy, reflection. No words necessary. We are bound by all that we have seen and done. Bound by the countless hours of holding a seizing child. Bound by the nights full of sobs and helplessness. Bound by despair and grief but also the innocent, untainted, unfiltered joy that these girls bring to our lives.

I have had other similar moments throughout this journey that has woven the fabric of our past 7 years. Seen this scenario unfold a few times now. It never loses its potency. It’s value. A reflection. A clasping of hands that “get it”, is a precious and rare gift. I hope to give and receive it many times.

Nearly 2 years ago walking next to my husband, I carried Haley through the parking garage at MGH. We arrived hours early for our neurology appointment so that we had time to meet a family. Lisa, Lonnie and beautiful Maddie. Again, so many parallels to our stories. Connected by the intangible, brought together by fate. Another moment of being overcome by the blessing of these people in our lives. Another gift to give our girls and each other.

As Lonnie, Lisa, Artie and I tried to visit, my words pouring out clumsily, tripping over themselves with the relief of yes! I understand! Haley fired off questions about Maddie. What’s her favorite color? What does she like to eat? Does she really have “shesures” like me? I was transfixed by the way that Haley was drawn to Maddie, didn’t need words to communicate, she just swam in the pool of her beautiful blue eyes and read her heart, blowing bubbles for her, handing her toys and snacks and fussing over her when she seized. Their friendship and my friendship with Lisa has brought us both much comfort. Haley talks about Maddie often. Struck by her sassy personality and the fierce spirit she inherited honestly. And I could be leveled to my knees by the strength of my friendship with Lisa. A mirror in so many ways. My reflection. One that I don’t need to polish and clean because she sees the streaks and smudges of my heart.

During a hospital admission I sat in the playroom at the arts and crafts table. My eyes were only on Haley as she was seizing so often I couldn’t take them off of her for a second. Sure enough I saw that blank gaze and pulled her to my lap to keep her safe until it was over. With her in my lap my gaze wandered, expecting to find the usual looks of sympathy and horror. Instead I found understanding in eyes that met mine and a soft voice that asked “How old is she?” That gentle soul and voice belonged to Kristine, whom I would get to know over the next few days, as our daughters are just a year apart both have epilepsy.

Her daughter Delia captured my heart as she finagled her way around playing vivaciously despite being tethered by multiple tubes. She and Haley became fast friends too. Bonding in that invisible way over hide and seek and bowling.

I was sitting in the neuropsych waiting room while Haley underwent testing and I heard my name…Jill? I looked up and saw the kindest eyes. Stacy and her daughter Ashley. We were enrolled in the same study. Both of our girls were struggling still and we both lamented the lack of cannabis access and options. Haley sat across from Ashley while Ashley tried to eat her keto lunch (yet another reflection!) and Haley asked her excitedly “You have to eat safe food too?”

So when I sit in a doctors office for any one of the number of specialists that she is required to see, and I search the faces of other parents, I am not looking for sympathy. I am looking for a friend.

Finding even pieces of your journey in others is a heady, powerful, empowering thing. It’s like a safety net always out. I have met many warrior Moms that have understood the pain in my eyes and the circles underneath them. We share sleepless nights and hard decisions. I am grateful to have the opportunity to provide our children the same outlet.

Reflections. Mirrors. Seeing pieces of yourself in someone else. Broken in all of the same places. Knowing always that you are not alone.