Redefining Normal – a Column by Brian Solka

Brian is a caregiver columnist along with his wife, Jendi, writing about life caring for their son, Little Brian. Little Brian is currently diagnosed with Lennox-Gastaut syndrome, which started as infantile spasms at 8 months of age in 2015. They live in the Tampa Bay area of Florida and love the sunshine. Although Lennox-Gastaut syndrome is devastating and without a cure, each day is a new day and should be cherished, no matter how difficult it may be.

February 12, 2021February 10, 2021

Brian Is a Happy Little Man

Columns, Redefining Normal – a Column by Brian Solka

Little Brian is awesome. As I take this time to reflect on the totality of the life that currently exists for me, I struggle to maintain a positive outlook. Lennox-Gastaut ... Read more

January 15, 2021January 13, 2021

Forging New Routines After Sudden Changes

Columns, Redefining Normal – a Column by Brian Solka

As we packed into the car, our daughter, Coralynn, was excited. The holidays were firmly behind us, and today was the first day of the local recreation center’s basketball season. ... Read more

December 11, 2020December 9, 2020

How to Decide the Next Step?

Columns, Redefining Normal – a Column by Brian Solka

As I approach the reception desk, my heart is beating quickly. My forehead muscles are tense from the prolonged furrowing of eyebrows. People are crazy drivers, and any safe arrival ... Read more

November 13, 2020November 12, 2020

Brian Turns 6!

Columns, Redefining Normal – a Column by Brian Solka

Brian’s birthday party is on Sunday, and he turns 6 years old! I can’t believe how quickly the time has passed. I remember holding my son shortly after he was ... Read more

October 30, 2020October 28, 2020

The World Keeps on Turning, Even in the Midst of Tragedy

Columns, Redefining Normal – a Column by Brian Solka

When Brian’s seizures returned as Lennox-Gastaut syndrome (LGS) after his initial bout with infantile spasms, the blow was crushing. After Jendi went through a very difficult childhood, I was hopeful ... Read more

September 25, 2020September 23, 2020

As Brian’s Symptoms Worsen, It’s Getting Harder to Manage

Columns, Redefining Normal – a Column by Brian Solka

When diagnosed with Lennox-Gastaut syndrome, our son, Brian, was still developing normally. Every day built upon the previous day, which was amazing to watch. His episodes consisted of dozens of ... Read more

September 11, 2020September 9, 2020

It’s Been One of Those Days

Columns, Redefining Normal – a Column by Brian Solka

As an old episode of the TV series “The Office” plays in the living room, my daughter, Coralynn, is falling asleep on the couch. Her mom, Jendi, is locked into ... Read more

August 28, 2020August 29, 2020

Brian Has His First Day of Kindergarten

Columns, Redefining Normal – a Column by Brian Solka

On my son Brian’s first day of kindergarten, he woke up nicely, babbling to himself in his bed. When I heard him singing to himself, I jumped out of bed ... Read more

August 14, 2020August 12, 2020

Finding Strength in the Fog

Columns, Redefining Normal – a Column by Brian Solka

After we finished breakfast, Brian was freed from his eating chair (a donated wheelchair with a seatbelt and removable tray). As I was brainstorming fun morning activities with his big ... Read more

July 24, 2020July 22, 2020

The ‘Kid in the Helmet’ Hasn’t Changed, Others Have

Columns, Redefining Normal – a Column by Brian Solka

My son Brian’s class photos are always great. He doesn’t normally respond to any verbal instructions, so getting him to sit still, look at the camera, and smile willingly is ... Read more