Summary of "Peter Aguero: Me & Her & It" - The Moth Podcast Episode
Introduction
In the heartfelt story titled "Me & Her & It," Peter Aguero shares his deeply personal journey navigating life with his wife Sarah's epilepsy. Told live in Ann Arbor, Peter's narrative delves into the complexities of love, fear, and resilience in the face of a chronic medical condition.
Meeting Sarah and the Onset of Challenges
Peter begins by describing a typical day in New York City, highlighting the bustling environment juxtaposed with his family's private struggles. He recounts a poignant moment at Penn Station, where he reunites with his mother:
“I give her a big hug and a kiss, and the first thing she says is, 'Peter, I can't believe how many cookies they have here in New York.'” ([02:29])
This anecdote sets the stage for the underlying tension—the constant battle to keep Sarah safe amid the city's overwhelming chaos.
Sarah’s Epilepsy: From Manageable to Life-Threatening
Sarah's epilepsy has evolved over their 15-year relationship. Initially experiencing myoclonic seizures that were manageable, Sarah now confronts more severe grand mal seizures:
“In the beginning of our relationship 15 years ago, she was having myoclonic seizures where she would just jerk and spill her coffee. And it was funny. And now she has grand mal seizures, which is French for big bad. And that's not funny at all.” ([06:12])
Peter explains the debilitating impact of these seizures on their daily lives, emphasizing the constant fear and uncertainty that accompanies each episode.
The Seizure-Induced Crisis
A critical incident unfolds when Sarah suffers a severe seizure in the shower, leading Peter to rush her to the hospital. He vividly describes the experience:
“She was face down in 4 inches of water having a seizure. And her back was cut open because she fell and hit the faucet so hard that she bent the steel pipe.” ([07:45])
This moment underscores the physical dangers inherent in Sarah's condition and the emotional toll it takes on Peter as he grapples with the fear of losing his wife.
Hospitalization and the Pursuit of a Solution
Determined to help Sarah, Peter and his mother visit Columbia Presbyterian Hospital to assist the doctors in inducing a seizure for better treatment:
“We're going to finally catch a seizure. So she goes into the hospital and over the course of five days... they're going to wean her off her medication and then induce a seizure.” ([10:30])
Peter describes the dystopian environment of the hospital and the emotional strain of watching Sarah undergo this procedure:
“The neurology unit... it's like the Morlocks built it.” ([12:15])
Emotional Turmoil and Seeking Support
During this challenging time, Peter reaches out to his father-in-law, Carl, expressing his desperation:
“Carl, man, I don't know what to do. She keeps having these seizures, and I gotta work. I gotta go. I need help.” ([14:20])
Carl’s empathetic yet limited understanding highlights the isolation Peter feels in his struggle:
“Well, Pete, she's your wife.” ([15:05])
Capturing the Seizure and a Moment of Victory
After days of anticipation, Sarah finally has a seizure under the hospital's controlled environment. Peter describes the intense moment:
“I'm just terrified. Until the doctor says, 'Okay, that's enough.' And she gets a dose of Ativan and puts it in the IV. And Sarah calms down.” ([17:50])
The successful induction of the seizure marks a significant breakthrough, allowing doctors to study and better understand her condition. Peter experiences a complex mix of relief and lingering fear:
“I just crawled on top of her in the bed, and I just hugged her with everything I've got.” ([18:30])
Reflection and Acceptance
As Peter returns home, he reflects on his journey and the enduring presence of epilepsy in their marriage:
“Tomorrow when I bring Sarah home, I'll be alone. But there's a third member of our marriage, and that's epilepsy.” ([19:10])
He concludes with a profound realization of their unbreakable bond and the ever-present nature of Sarah’s condition:
“It's going to be me and her and it. And that's just the way it is.” ([19:40])
Conclusion
Peter Aguero's story is a moving testament to the challenges faced by individuals and their loved ones when dealing with chronic illnesses. His narrative captures the emotional highs and lows, the relentless pursuit of solutions, and the ultimate acceptance of a new normal. Through his vulnerability and honesty, Peter offers listeners an intimate glimpse into the realities of living with epilepsy.
Notable Quotes with Timestamps
- Reuniting at Penn Station: “Peter, I can't believe how many cookies they have here in New York.” ([02:29])
- Evolution of Seizures: “In the beginning... it was funny... now she has grand mal seizures. And that's not funny at all.” ([06:12])
- Severe Seizure Incident: “She was face down in 4 inches of water having a seizure.” ([07:45])
- Hospital Environment: “The neurology unit... it's like the Morlocks built it.” ([12:15])
- Desperate Plea for Help: “I don’t know what to do. I need help.” ([14:20])
- Capturing the Seizure: “Okay, that's enough. And she gets a dose of Ativan...” ([17:50])
- Final Reflection: “It's going to be me and her and it. And that's just the way it is.” ([19:40])
About the Storyteller
Peter Aguero, born and raised in South Jersey, resides in Queens, New York, with his wife Sarah. A Moth Grand Slam Champion, Story Slam Host, and instructor for the Moth Shop Community Program, Peter is also the lead singer of the BTK Band, New York City's only improvised storytelling rock band. His storytelling prowess brings authenticity and depth to his personal narratives, as exemplified in this episode.