By Jacqueline Cuevas

A few months ago, I was having the worse muscle spasms I have ever experienced. It felt like my body was being torn apart. My right and left leg felt like they were competing in a game of tug of war. My toes had suddenly gained independence and decided to go their separate ways and my jaw tightened and locked preventing the saliva from passing. My body would jolt from the pain and scream as an attempt to channel the hurt.

Listen! You are a beautiful human being, with so much to be done

Not judging if it’s dishes or metals to be won

Wake up! Smile if you’re happy or frown if you are down!

Happy September!

September is my birthday month. I love how the Michigan weather’s slow transitions from icky, hot and humid to refreshing and cool while still having the company of the sun in evening. The trees supply us with a sort of nature’s confetti, made up of leaves mixed with fiery oranges, matted reds and withered yellows.

Over the years I have become so in tune with my body, that I can tell when I will have seizure like activity. This has taken lots of time as patience. I feel the tingling and restlessness in my legs that warn me of the jumping motions that will occur in a few moments. I have come to realize that the intense odor of chicken I suddenly smell, can happen in places other than KFC and Chick-fil-A.

I attended a charter K – 8 school in Detroit, where I was never a good student according to backpack while I went to the bathroom. She decided that because I was not organized to her liking she would exclude me from the prestigious 5th and 6th grade picnic at Belle Isle. I remember being so disappointed in myself and not understanding why I just couldn’t be the teachers. I was always in the principal’s office for some behavioral issue and didn’t have a lot of friends.

On Saturday February 10th I received an email from Michigan Central in Corktown Detroit inviting me to a special event. Being a native Southwest Detroiter I am excited that Michigan Central has been inviting me to their tours and grand openings for the past two years.

In September I attend a class in a place called Soul Studio in West Bloomfield. I was attending a day long catered event. The facilities and food was amazing. The days I attended the catered menu was Middle eastern. It consisted of an array of nicely seasoned vegetables and meats and the best hummus and garlic sauce I have had in a while.

I am tired, very long week. Two sick kids, one non sick child who is desperate to be with friends. The one very sick child is also desperate to be with her friends. There are a lot of options here. I am very tired, overwhelmed in fact.