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Seizing Today: Discovering Purpose and Authenticity in a Life-Changing Diagnosis
Jonathan Tuteur’s story begins before birth. One of his triplet siblings inexplicably grew a vein from her placenta to Jon’s in order to survive. Doctors said they had never seen anything like it.
For thirty years, that was little more than a fascinating dinner party story until Jon collapsed at home. Then he did it again, at work in Arlington, Virginia. And a third time, in the US Embassy in Ottawa, Canada. A doctor revealed to Jon he had epilepsy.
Jon’s birth story is his doctors’ best hypothesis as to why he has the disease, which affects one in twenty-six in the US alone.
The next fifteen years included more than five hundred seizures, forty days and nights in the hospital, and three brain surgeries involving fifteen holes drilled in his head.
Seizing Today is an account of what happens when an ordinary life is interrupted by extraordinary change. Vulnerable and honest, it is a remarkable story of resilience and self-discovery.
Jon’s inspirational odyssey with a life-changing disease, and his ability to ultimately see it as a gift, will invite you to reflect on your life and purpose.
For thirty years, that was little more than a fascinating dinner party story until Jon collapsed at home. Then he did it again, at work in Arlington, Virginia. And a third time, in the US Embassy in Ottawa, Canada. A doctor revealed to Jon he had epilepsy.
Jon’s birth story is his doctors’ best hypothesis as to why he has the disease, which affects one in twenty-six in the US alone.
The next fifteen years included more than five hundred seizures, forty days and nights in the hospital, and three brain surgeries involving fifteen holes drilled in his head.
Seizing Today is an account of what happens when an ordinary life is interrupted by extraordinary change. Vulnerable and honest, it is a remarkable story of resilience and self-discovery.
Jon’s inspirational odyssey with a life-changing disease, and his ability to ultimately see it as a gift, will invite you to reflect on your life and purpose.
177 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 10, 2024
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
October 7, 2025
A powerful memoir raising epilepsy awareness and highlighting the strength of human connection in resilience
Seizing Today is an amazing book that raises awareness about epilepsy, a condition often highly stigmatized and frequently kept secret. With 1 in 26 people expected to develop epilepsy at some point in their lives, the chance that all of us knows someone living with epilepsy is very high. Yet awareness of the daily struggles faced by those living with epilepsy remains limited. This is exactly what Jon shares in this powerful memoir. The challenges he endured in his fight with epilepsy, as well as the impact on his loved ones. Jon’s story provides valuable insight and greater understanding of epilepsy. The book moved me to tears multiple times, yet I laughed a lot as well. Jon’s ability to sprinkle humor even when he revisits some of the toughest moments of his life is truly remarkable. One of my biggest takeaways was how the strong bonds Jon built with his parents, siblings, wife, and children through seemingly small moments, along with a moral compass rooted in compassion, helped him navigate some of the most difficult times with incredible grace. As a researcher working in epilepsy, I found Seizing Today to be a great source of inspiration. The book was a reminder for creating more public awareness about epilepsy, and the urgent need for research to push boundaries to find cures rather than temporary solutions.
My Favorite lines:
“But these walks, these rare, precious, seemingly simple moments and the strong relationship I build with my parents gave me the foundation, the strength, courage and resilience to come out on the other side of this disease”
“If we focus our energy singularly on the here and now and not the bigger picture, happiness will be just like work- life balance - elusive”
Seizing Today is an amazing book that raises awareness about epilepsy, a condition often highly stigmatized and frequently kept secret. With 1 in 26 people expected to develop epilepsy at some point in their lives, the chance that all of us knows someone living with epilepsy is very high. Yet awareness of the daily struggles faced by those living with epilepsy remains limited. This is exactly what Jon shares in this powerful memoir. The challenges he endured in his fight with epilepsy, as well as the impact on his loved ones. Jon’s story provides valuable insight and greater understanding of epilepsy. The book moved me to tears multiple times, yet I laughed a lot as well. Jon’s ability to sprinkle humor even when he revisits some of the toughest moments of his life is truly remarkable. One of my biggest takeaways was how the strong bonds Jon built with his parents, siblings, wife, and children through seemingly small moments, along with a moral compass rooted in compassion, helped him navigate some of the most difficult times with incredible grace. As a researcher working in epilepsy, I found Seizing Today to be a great source of inspiration. The book was a reminder for creating more public awareness about epilepsy, and the urgent need for research to push boundaries to find cures rather than temporary solutions.
My Favorite lines:
“But these walks, these rare, precious, seemingly simple moments and the strong relationship I build with my parents gave me the foundation, the strength, courage and resilience to come out on the other side of this disease”
“If we focus our energy singularly on the here and now and not the bigger picture, happiness will be just like work- life balance - elusive”
July 10, 2025
I am usually a slow reader, as I read for detail. Seizing Today, by Jonathan Tuteur is replete with detail. I began reading it and could not put it down.
Jon Tuteur is a terrific writer.
Seizing Today is an honest depiction of Jon's life from childhood on. His diagnosis of epilepsy at age thirty came as a shock but although it presented major challenges it also provided an opportunity for major growth. I was rapt. It was serious yet the author incorporated levity in places that provided a way to better handle the weight of the information. The book was a memoir of a remarkable young man who took epilepsy head on (excuse the unintentional pun) and handled it with strength and grace. As he wrote about the lessons he learned he, at the same time, was teaching his readers.
I thank him for sharing his remarkable journey.
Rebecca R. Coleman
Jon Tuteur is a terrific writer.
Seizing Today is an honest depiction of Jon's life from childhood on. His diagnosis of epilepsy at age thirty came as a shock but although it presented major challenges it also provided an opportunity for major growth. I was rapt. It was serious yet the author incorporated levity in places that provided a way to better handle the weight of the information. The book was a memoir of a remarkable young man who took epilepsy head on (excuse the unintentional pun) and handled it with strength and grace. As he wrote about the lessons he learned he, at the same time, was teaching his readers.
I thank him for sharing his remarkable journey.
Rebecca R. Coleman
October 15, 2024
This book is a captivating and truthful memoir about a fight throughout a complicated Epilepsy diagnosis. Seizing Today tells a raw, personal story of struggle, yet fills it with humor, wit, and hope for the future. The ultimate message of finding positivity and human connection is one to be cherished by any reader!
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews