Hold Fast to Dreams

By diana-lee

2 min read

As in past years, our team of patient writers here at Migraine.com is tackling the Migraine & Headache Awareness Month Blog Challenge prompts. All of the prompts and the instructions for participating can be found here: 2014 Migraine & Headache Awareness Month Blog Challenge | AHMA Blog.

The MHAM Blog Challenge prompt for today, Day 11, is: “Hold fast to dreams, for if dreams die, life is a broken winged bird that cannot fly.” Langston Hughes

One of the biggest dreams I've had surrounding Migraine Disease for quite some time is that eventually we'll learn enough about the condition that no one living with it has to deal with the things I and so many of you have throughout our journey. I've never felt this desire more than since I've been pregnant with my little girl.

I'm in my 36th week of pregnancy, and while I haven't been dwelling on the question of whether she'll develop Migraine, the thought has certainly crossed my mind. Luckily, it's been in a very hopeful, determined way. I have so much hope that things can be better for her than they have been for anyone younger than her if she ends up inheriting the predisposition for this difficult chronic condition.

One of the best things about becoming involved in Migraine advocacy and education is getting to learn about the wonderful, innovative research that gets closer all the time to better treatment options and potentially even a cure for Migraine. I certainly need this hope for myself, but as a parent-to-be I need this hope even more desperately to mother the little girl we're bringing into the world.

Maybe I wouldn't be quite as concerned if we were having a boy, knowing that men are statistically less likely than women to live with Migraine as adults. Of course, both my father and brother have dealt with Migraine in their lives, so my genetic make up likely wouldn't be of much comfort as far as gender is concerned.

If I was resigned to the notion that my daughter would (a) Definitely live with Migraine and (b) Not know any different life with it than I have, I don't know how I could bring her into this world. I have to hold on to hope, and I'm grateful there are so many reasons to do so.

What about you? How do you hold on to hope and your dreams despite the impact of Migraine on your life right now? Please share your thoughts in the comments.

This article represents the opinions, thoughts, and experiences of the author; none of this content has been paid for by any advertiser. The Migraine.com team does not recommend or endorse any products or treatments discussed herein. Learn more about how we maintain editorial integrity here.

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tammy-lrome Member
My son and daughter both inherited migraine. My son's attacks are much more severe due to the complication of a TBI when he was 8. I just count myself blessed to know how to advocate for them and teach them how to live successfully with migraine. It is getting better. Neither one were ever told to "just relax".
1. diana-lee Member
 It's a huge blessing to have parents who know what you need and what you're dealing with. No one wishes this for this kids, of course, but at least you're well equipped to parent fellow Migraineurs!
amcleod Member
Diana, My son did inherit migraine but so far it has only presented itself when there was an incredibly stressful period in our home when he was about 8, which has since been resolved. And now it presents when he goes to long without eating or when he has back to back weekend competions for debate. He does not get home until about 1:00 in the morning on Friday and then is back up at 5:30 or 6:00 Saturday morning for day two. So, there is very little down time. But, because I understand migraine, I will only wake him up on those Sunday's to eat. And, when a migraine is coming on, he knows to grab something to eat and he needs to get some sleep. So far, no medications have been needed! Some may say that is not migraine, but I know what the face of migraine looks like, I see it in my own mirror, it's migraine. If your child does inherit migraine you will recognize the signs before others and be his or her's biggest advocate! I also agree that we may not see a cure in our lifetime but I still make posts for awareness and funding as I do not want my son or the future generations to endure what we have. I wish you and your family the best. I also thank you for your articles and all you do to help migraineurs.
1. diana-lee Member
 Thank you so much! <3
migrainepuzzlepieces Member
Thanks for sharing such a beautiful dream. As Jamie said, I hope your dreams come true and that your precious little one doesn't develop migraine. I'm not a parent so I can't understand what it must be like to have such a concern. My sister in-law suffers from Lupus and she has the same worry about her two boys. But so far they are both fine. I found it hard to write on this topic because I've stopped allowing myself to dream - a safety net for my emotions I guess. But I've read a number of beautiful and inspiring entries. I'm really loving this Blog Challenge because I kinda gave up on myself for a while, but it's renewing my zeal to do all I can to help myself and in the process others. I've even been feeling better emotionally. Here's a link to the article I wrote for day 11. It's on an alternate topic: <a href='https://migrainepuzzlepieces.wordpress.com/2014/06/11/my-migraine-monster-mham-challenge-day-11-alternate/' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer ugc'>http://migrainepuzzlepieces.wordpress.com/2014/06/11/my-migraine-monster-mham-challenge-day-11-alternate/</a>
kristindieng Member
I have 3 kids, all boys, ages 14, 12 and 4. So far, both the 14 and 12 years olds experience migraines. The 4 year old is too young for us to know yet. The 12 year old has it really bad, bad enough to miss 4 months of grade 7 last year. I did not have migraines until age 21 (although I did have a headache every day from a very young age), so the severity of his migraines at such a young age, and, yes, the fact that he is a boy and it is so bad for him... scares the heck out of me. But none of this changes the fact that I find my life valuable, and he will also find that, regardless of what happens with his migraines, he has enormous value too. My parents will always be glad that they had/have me, and I feel the same about my son(s). Life presents many challenges for many people. Some people battle being blind, or handicapped, or autistic, or homeless (think of all of the refugees in the world who have not only lost their homes, parents, children, loved ones, but they have even lost the comfort of culture and language). It IS hard living in the US where we're often surrounded by people who are blessed (with families, safety, financial security, HEALTH) when we battle migraines. Migraine pain, depression, isolation, lack of empathy and understanding, ignorance, loss of income and careers... are painful in every manner. But I look at my sons and just see their BEAUTY, and migraines or not, I'm glad they're here and have a shot at living in this world, making of it what they will. But I agree with Diane, thank God for hope... that things will get better for those with this disease, that education is improving, medical advancements are helping. That hope makes a big difference.
migrainestl Member
I live w/ chronic migraine & have a 10 month old boy. It's hard not to worry he'll inherit the condition/disease as my Dad struggled w/ them as well as my maternal Grandfather. However, if he does I have hope we'll have a cure or better treatments by then. I'm also thankful he'll have a Mom who is empathetic & his best advocate! Here's hoping both us have nothing to worry about!!!
ellen Member
Diana, Your daughter couldn't be in better hands, because you are so knowledgeable about our condition and have surrounded yourself with others that understand and can help out. She's a very lucky little girl. My dreams are for my kids too. Watching them become chronic is hard. Knowing they won't always listen to the good advice is harder. The fact is, they've lived their lives with the disease and (hopefully) a decent example of how to deal with the tough times, I try not to worry so much. It's the Mom in us though. That part doesn't go away, even when our kids are adults living on their own. We always dream the best for them... ~Ellen Schnakenberg