I was interviewed recently for a podcast, and it was such an enjoyable experience. The Wheelie Good Podcast! is focused on cycling, and Doug French, the host, interviewed me about my immensely large project of e-biking from my home to every street in Ann Arbor in alphabetical order. This endeavor is wildly inefficient, but adventurous!
Doug is such a great interviewer. We started by talking about my project, but soon he was asking about different roles I’ve had and chapters I’ve lived. I felt a bit like I did a life review. And I think I was able to give at least a nod to just about every single community I’ve ever loved. It was so lovely.
A lot of the podcast centers upon epilepsy and community. Not surprisingly, that involves my leadership role with the Epilepsy Foundation of Michigan, but also my own experience growing up with epilepsy in childhood.
Doug said something that no one has ever said to me before. It’s also not a thought I’ve ever had.
I was talking about how my work at the Epilepsy Foundation of Michigan has been a 2nd career for me. Then I added, “But this is not an island I’m just visiting for a while. This is the pathway I see myself on for a very long time.”
Then Doug said, “But also, this was first. You were born with this.”
That’s a simple thought and on the surface, it’s about chronology. But it also felt special. Yes, 2nd career. But I’ve returned to the foundation — a key part of the beginning of my story. That’s not just about chronology. I feel so purposeful in this, and with gratitude. It makes me feel a sense of wholeness too, like I’m healing a part of my experience as well.
I’m still thinking about that line. The podcast episode will be out in about a month, and I’m looking forward to listening — and sharing it — when it’s ready.
—Renee Roederer
Smuggling Grace 